Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of reproductive biology, claiming to have "rejuvenated" human eggs by reversing an age-related defect that causes genetic errors in embryos. This breakthrough could potentially revolutionize IVF success rates for older women, who are often plagued by declining egg quality and increased risk of chromosome disorders such as Down's syndrome.
According to researchers at Ovo Labs, the age-related defect is caused by a decline in a protein called Shugoshin 1, which acts as a "glue" to hold chromosome pairs together. When this protein declines with age, it leads to premature separation of chromosome pairs, resulting in embryos with too many or too few chromosomes.
In an experiment using eggs donated by fertility patients, the researchers found that microinjections of Shugoshin 1 nearly halved the number of eggs showing the defect, from 53% in control eggs to just 29%. The results were particularly promising when looking at eggs from women over 35 years old, with a similar trend observed (65% compared with 44%).
The approach is simple yet innovative: by supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1, researchers aim to restore the younger situation and improve egg quality. However, it's essential to note that this technology would not extend fertility beyond menopause, when the egg reserve runs out.
While the results are encouraging, further trials are needed to confirm the findings and ensure the approach is safe for human use. The team at Ovo Labs is already in discussions with regulators about a clinical trial, but an important question remains: will the apparent improvements in egg quality translate into fewer genetic errors in embryos?
Experts describe the discovery as "really promising," and it offers new hope to women struggling with declining fertility due to age. If confirmed, this approach could potentially improve IVF success rates for older women, allowing them to conceive within a single IVF cycle โ rather than having to try multiple times.
The significance of this breakthrough lies in its potential to address the primary cause of IVF failure and miscarriage in older women: declining egg quality. With millions of women around the world struggling with infertility due to age, this discovery offers a beacon of hope for those seeking reproductive solutions.
According to researchers at Ovo Labs, the age-related defect is caused by a decline in a protein called Shugoshin 1, which acts as a "glue" to hold chromosome pairs together. When this protein declines with age, it leads to premature separation of chromosome pairs, resulting in embryos with too many or too few chromosomes.
In an experiment using eggs donated by fertility patients, the researchers found that microinjections of Shugoshin 1 nearly halved the number of eggs showing the defect, from 53% in control eggs to just 29%. The results were particularly promising when looking at eggs from women over 35 years old, with a similar trend observed (65% compared with 44%).
The approach is simple yet innovative: by supplementing eggs with Shugoshin 1, researchers aim to restore the younger situation and improve egg quality. However, it's essential to note that this technology would not extend fertility beyond menopause, when the egg reserve runs out.
While the results are encouraging, further trials are needed to confirm the findings and ensure the approach is safe for human use. The team at Ovo Labs is already in discussions with regulators about a clinical trial, but an important question remains: will the apparent improvements in egg quality translate into fewer genetic errors in embryos?
Experts describe the discovery as "really promising," and it offers new hope to women struggling with declining fertility due to age. If confirmed, this approach could potentially improve IVF success rates for older women, allowing them to conceive within a single IVF cycle โ rather than having to try multiple times.
The significance of this breakthrough lies in its potential to address the primary cause of IVF failure and miscarriage in older women: declining egg quality. With millions of women around the world struggling with infertility due to age, this discovery offers a beacon of hope for those seeking reproductive solutions.