Allow scientists to change defective mitochondria in eggs!

British scientists seek permission to implant embryos
with the genetic material of three parents
Scientists seek to implant embryos with genetic material from three parents
Sarah Boseley, guardian.co.uk, 19 April 2011
Translation: Inopressa

Leading research organizations and patient groups have asked the British government to amend legislation to allow scientists to implant embryos with genetic material from three different parents into women.

"The procedure has so far been tested only in the laboratory and mainly on animal embryos. But if it turns out to be safe and successful, it will be possible to prevent congenital genetic defects in hundreds of children born every year. These include blindness, lack of organs, muscle disorders, learning disabilities and diabetes. Many children die as a result of genetic defects that are caused by mutations of mitochondrial DNA in the mother's egg," notes the author of the article, Sarah Bosley.

Scientists have developed two different technologies, each of which involves mixing the DNA of the parents with a small amount of DNA from the mitochondria of the donor egg.

However, this will not be "in vitro fertilization from three parents," says Professor Robin Lovell–Budge, one of the authors of the document sent to the government. "This is a very, very small amount of DNA. It carries no characteristics other than a normally functioning mitochondria."

Dr. Evan Harris, a former parliamentarian who has shown a direct interest in embryonic research, compared it "to replacing a laptop battery that does not affect the information on the hard drive."

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru21.04.2011