Male-Only Reproduction Is Now Real: First-Ever Mice Born from “Two Fathers” Survive to Adulthood – The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel

For the first time, scientists have successfully created mice with two fathers that survived to adulthood. This breakthrough challenges long-standing genetic barriers in mammalian reproduction. By targeting specific genes, researchers have unlocked new possibilities in genetic engineering. The implications of this discovery extend far beyond the lab.In a groundbreaking experiment, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have successfully created a bi-paternal mouse—a mouse with two biological fathers. This marks the first time a mammal has been born from two male parents and survived into adulthood. The study, published in Cell Stem Cell on January 28, unveils a new method of genetic editing that bypasses previous barriers in same-sex reproduction.For decades, scientists have attempted to produce mammals using only two male or two female parents, but fundamental genetic obstacles made success impossible. The key issue lies in genomic imprinting, a process where certain genes are turned on or off depending on whether they come from the mother or the father. In a normal embryo, this balance ensures proper development. However, when both sets of chromosomes originate from the same sex, this genetic harmony is disrupted, leading to severe developmental defects.Previous attempts at creating bi-paternal mice used stem cells derived from male mice to produce egg-like cells, which were then fertilized with sperm. However, embryos created this way either failed to develop or exhibited severe abnormalities.Instead of trying to create functional eggs from male cells, the research team took a completely different approach. They identified 20 critical imprinting genes that act as roadblocks to same-sex reproduction and used the CRISPR gene-editing tool to modify these genes.Here’s how the experiment worked:The result? Some of these embryos developed into live mice—a feat that was previously thought to be biologically impossible.Although the experiment was successful in producing live offspring, the results were far from perfect. Only 11.8% of the embryos survived to birth, and many of the mice that made it to adulthood exhibited abnormal growth and a shortened lifespan.Interestingly, a 2004 study had previously demonstrated that bi-maternal mice (mice born from two mothers) were smaller and lived longer than normal. In contrast, the bi-paternal mice in the current study grew larger but had a significantly shorter lifespan. This suggests that paternal and maternal genes play different roles in regulating growth and longevity.While this breakthrough does not mean human same-sex reproduction is around the corner, it offers valuable insights into embryonic development, genetic imprinting, and cloning. Researchers plan to refine the technique and apply it to larger mammals, such as monkeys, to better understand its potential.The long-term implications of this study could extend beyond reproduction. By mastering imprinting gene modifications, scientists could enhance stem cell therapies, improve cloning techniques, and even push the boundaries of synthetic biology.For now, the world’s first bi-paternal mouse stands as a remarkable testament to what is possible when science challenges the limits of nature.Source: NatureGot a reaction? Share your thoughts in the commentsEnjoyed this article? Subscribe to our free newsletter for engaging stories, exclusive content, and the latest news.“The genetic material was then injected into an egg cell that had been stripped of its original nucleus.”So they STILL needed an EGG FROM A FEMALE MOUSE to produce the result !!!Comment Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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