In Vitro Gametogenesis and the Creation of ‘Designer Babies’

Abstract:Research into the development of stem cell-derived (SCD) gametes in humans, otherwise known as in vitro gametogenesis (IVG), is largely motivated by reproductive aims. Especially, the goal of establishing genetic parenthood by means of SCD-gametes is considered an important aim. However, like other applications in the field of assisted reproduction, this technology evokes worries about the possibility of creating so-called ‘designer babies.’ In this paper, we investigate various ways in which SCD-gametes could be used to create such preference-matched offspring, and what this would mean for the acceptability of IVG, if it is premised that it is morally problematic to ‘design’ offspring. We argue that IVG might facilitate the creation of preference-matched offspring, but conclude that this should not undermine the moral acceptability of IVG altogether—even if one concedes the premise that creating ‘designer babies’ is morally problematic. In the light of this, we also point at a possible inconsistency for a position that condemns the creation of ‘designer offspring,’ while accepting the various endeavors to have genetically related offspring.

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Current Progress in the Creation, Characterization, and Application of Human Stem Cell-derived in Vitro Neuromuscular Junction Models

Stem Cell Reviews and Reports ◽

10.1007/s12015-021-10201-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Eileen Lynch ◽

Emma Peek ◽

Megan Reilly ◽

Claire FitzGibbons ◽

Samantha Robertson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Neuromuscular Junction ◽

Human Stem Cell ◽

The Creation

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Article 18 of the European Biomedicine Convention: What Impact on Assisted Reproduction?

European Journal of Health Law ◽

10.1163/15718099920522767 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 165-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Keyword(s):

Assisted Reproduction ◽

Genetic Diagnosis ◽

Experimental Therapy ◽

The European Union ◽

Council Of Europe ◽

Member States ◽

Assisted Reproduction Techniques ◽

The Creation ◽

To Come

AbstractThe European Biomedicine Convention was opened for signature in April 1997. It has now been signed by 24 member states of the Council of Europe and ratified by three. To come into force it needs to be ratified by five countries of which four must be member states. Article 18 of the Convention addresses research on embryos in vitro. It forbids the creation of embryos for research and, where the law allows research, requires the adequate protection of the embryo. The term 'adequate protection' is ambiguous and is not defined. Only signatories who have law in force at the time of signature which is not in conformity with the Convention may have a reservation against this article. The creation of embryos for research is still necessary for the advancement of assisted reproduction techniques, for the understanding of human embryological development and for the development of preimplantation genetic diagnosis. Less than half of the countries of the European Union have relevant legislation and there is little consistency of approach. Of the signatories to the Convention, only three have legislation which may permit the creation of embryos for research, only six have any relevant legislation. This begs the question of how assisted reproduction techniques are to advance in those countries which prohibit research, or have signed the convention prior to legislation, without turning infertile couples themselves into the unwitting subjects of research or experimental therapy.

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Locally controlling mesenchymal stem cell morphogenesis by 3D PDGF-BB gradients towards the establishment of an in vitro perivascular niche

Integrative Biology ◽

10.1039/c4ib00152d ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

pp. 101-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

P. S. Lienemann ◽

Y. R. Devaud ◽

R. Reuten ◽

B. R. Simona ◽

M. Karlsson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Mesenchymal Stem Cell ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Cell Morphogenesis ◽

Perivascular Niche ◽

Tissue Model ◽

The Creation

We report on the creation of a three dimensional biomimetic tissue model that recapitulates the stable PDGF-BB gradient controlling mesenchymal stem cell morphogenetic behavior in the perivascular niche.

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Bioactive and Topographically-Modified Electrospun Membranes for the Creation of New Bone Regeneration Models

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr8111341 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1341

Author(s):

Dina Abdelmoneim ◽

Ghsaq M. Alhamdani ◽

Thomas E. Paterson ◽

Martin E. Santocildes Romero ◽

Beatriz J. C. Monteiro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Bone Regeneration ◽

Cell Fate ◽

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ◽

Stromal Cells ◽

Bone Tissue Regeneration ◽

Ageing Population ◽

Native Bone ◽

The Creation

Bone injuries that arise from trauma, cancer treatment, or infection are a major and growing global challenge. An increasingly ageing population plays a key role in this, since a growing number of fractures are due to diseases such as osteoporosis, which place a burden on healthcare systems. Current reparative strategies do not sufficiently consider cell-substrate interactions that are found in healthy tissues; therefore, the need for more complex models is clear. The creation of in vitro defined 3D microenvironments is an emerging topographically-orientated approach that provides opportunities to apply knowledge of cell migration and differentiation mechanisms to the creation of new cell substrates. Moreover, introducing biofunctional agents within in vitro models for bone regeneration has allowed, to a certain degree, the control of cell fate towards osteogenic pathways. In this research, we applied three methods for functionalizing spatially-confined electrospun artificial microenvironments that presented relevant components of the native bone stem cell niche. The biological and osteogenic behaviors of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were investigated on electrospun micro-fabricated scaffolds functionalized with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (collagen I), glycosaminoglycans (heparin), and ceramic-based materials (bioglass). Collagen, heparin, and bioglass (BG) were successfully included in the models without modifying the fibrous structures offered by the polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were successfully seeded in all the biofunctional scaffolds and they showed an increase in alkaline phosphatase production when exposed to PCL/BG composites. This research demonstrates the feasibility of manufacturing smart and hierarchical artificial microenvironments for studying stem cell behavior and ultimately the potential of incorporating these artificial microenvironments into multifunctional membranes for bone tissue regeneration

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In vitro growth of immature bovine follicles and oocytes

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd19270 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 1 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Evelyn E. Telfer ◽

Kenichiro Sakaguchi ◽

Yvonne L. Clarkson ◽

Marie McLaughlin

Keyword(s):

Stem Cell ◽

Assisted Reproduction ◽

Culture System ◽

Developmental Stages ◽

In Vitro Growth ◽

Primordial Follicles ◽

Domestic Species ◽

Stem Cell Derivation ◽

Major Impediment

The limitation in the supply of mature, fertilisable oocytes constitutes a major impediment to increasing the success of assisted reproduction, stem cell derivation and cloning in domestic species. Techniques are being developed to grow immature oocytes invitro that have the potential to increase the supply of oocytes. Mouse oocytes can be cultured from initial stages of development to maturity, and live young have been produced, but for domestic species, such as cows, with long growth periods, invitro systems that allow complete growth of oocytes contained within primordial follicles to maturity is technically challenging and has not yet been achieved. For cows, several culture systems have been developed that support specific developmental stages, but a multistep culture system will be required for complete growth invitro. This review highlights the steps that will be required to achieve the goal of growing oocytes invitro.

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