North university creates embryo from two mothers

Feb 5 2008 By Graeme Whitfield

Human embryos containing DNA from a man and two women have been created which scientists say could provide treatment for incurable genetic diseases.

But pro-life supporters were dismayed by the prospect of genetically-altered babies being born in Britain, and said the researchers should not meddle in the "building blocks of life".

The team at Newcastle University, one of the country’s leading research centres, used 10 embryos which were not suitable for IVF treatment, and replaced faulty mitochondria cells from the mother with undamaged cells from a female donor.

The embryos were allowed to develop for five days, and one of them was closely analysed and the transplant was deemed to be a success.

Similar tests in mice have also worked in laboratory conditions.

Mitochondria play a vital role in the body’s energy supply, but if they are damaged they can cause a series of serious neuro-muscular diseases, liver failure, deafness, strokes or blindness.

There will be more on this story in tomorrow's Journal.