Search

First Mouse with Two Fathers Thrives into Adulthood, Marking New Scientific Milestone

A bi-paternal mouse has been successfully engineered, marking a breakthrough in stem cell research and reproductive biology.

Advertisement
Highlights
  • Scientists create bi-paternal mouse through stem cell technology
  • New research overcomes challenges in unisexual mammalian reproduction
  • Bi-paternal mice exhibit survival, but developmental issues persist
First Mouse with Two Fathers Thrives into Adulthood, Marking New Scientific Milestone

Scientists have successfully engineered a mouse with two male biological parents

Photo Credit: Pixabay/Alexas_Fotos

A major development in stem cell science has been achieved with the creation of a bi-paternal mouse, marking a significant step in reproductive biology. Scientists have successfully engineered a mouse with two male biological parents, which managed to survive into adulthood. This research, conducted by a team of stem cell experts, has addressed longstanding barriers in unisexual mammalian reproduction by modifying specific imprinting genes. The findings, which could have implications for regenerative medicine, highlight the challenges and potential future applications of the technology.

Genetic Modifications Enable Bi-Paternal Development

According to the study published in Cell Stem Cell, led by Wei Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the team focused on overcoming imprinting-related challenges that previously prevented embryos with same-sex genetic origins from developing fully. Modifications were made to 20 imprinting genes using techniques such as frameshift mutations, gene deletions, and regulatory region edits. These changes allowed some bi-paternal embryos to survive to birth and, in rare cases, reach adulthood.

Co-corresponding author Qi Zhou of CAS explained to phys.org, that imprinting genes have been identified as a key obstacle in unisexual reproduction. Despite previous attempts using ovarian organoids derived from male stem cells, imprinting abnormalities caused severe developmental defects. By directly editing these genes, the research team improved embryonic viability and the stability of pluripotent stem cells.

Survival and Reproductive Challenges Remain

As per reports, only 11.8 percent of the engineered embryos developed to birth, and those that survived exhibited developmental abnormalities, reduced lifespan, and sterility. Guan-Zheng Luo of Sun Yat-sen University, a co-corresponding author, stated that imprinting abnormalities have been confirmed as the primary factor preventing unisexual reproduction in mammals.

Despite the limitations, this approach has demonstrated the potential for refining stem cell-based therapies and improving cloning efficiency. Researchers plan to expand the study to larger mammals, though substantial challenges remain due to differences in imprinting gene patterns across species.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

 
Show Full Article
Please wait...
Advertisement
Popular Mobile Brands
  1. India vs Pakistan Live Streaming for Free: Watch IND vs PAK ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Match Online
  1. DMRC Signs Agreement to Improve Internet Connectivity Across All Corridors
  2. Apple's Foldable iPhone Tipped to Sport 7.74-Inch Inner Screen That 'Unfolds Like iPad'
  3. Nothing Phone 3a vs iPhone 16 Pro Max: Company Responds After Viewers Flag Error in Camera Comparison Video
  4. Infinix Note 50 Series Launch Date Announced, AI Features Teased Ahead of Debut
  5. Apple Vision Pro to Get Apple Intelligence Support, Spatial Gallery App With visionOS 2.4 in April
  6. Apple Removes Advanced Data Protection for iCloud Encryption Feature From UK After Backdoor Order
  7. ISRO Unveils World’s Largest 10-Tonne Vertical Mixer for Solid Propellants
  8. NASA Lowers Risk of Asteroid 2024 YR4 Impact
  9. The Young Pope Now Streaming on Lionsgate Play: Everything You Need to Know
  10. Blue Origin NS-30 Crew Announced: Everything You Need to Know
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
App Store App Store
Available in Hindi
App Store
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.
Trending Products »
Latest Tech News »