Gene-edited cloned male mouse embryos develop into fertile female clones

The short version

• Researchers used the CRISPR-based Y-CUT method to remove the Y chromosome from cloned male mouse embryos.[Scientific American]
• The resulting female clones were healthy and fertile, and they produced offspring with typical sex chromosomes when mated with male clones.[Scientific American]
• Researchers say the approach could help create fertile breeding pairs from one male donor for endangered species with few survivors.[Scientific American]
• The study is not yet peer-reviewed, and many mammals, including horses and humans, cannot reproduce with an XO chromosome set.[Scientific American]

Key facts

• Researchers used the CRISPR-based Y-CUT method to remove the Y chromosome from cloned male mouse embryos.[Scientific American]
• Embryos with a single X chromosome developed into healthy, fertile female clones after transfer to surrogate mothers.[Scientific American]
• The female clones mated with male clones, producing offspring with typical XX or XY chromosomes.[Scientific American]
• The technique could help create fertile breeding pairs from one male donor for endangered species with few surviving individuals.[Scientific American]
• Ben Novak of Revive and Restore, who commented on the work, was not involved in the study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed.[Scientific American]
• Many mammals, including horses and humans, cannot reproduce with an XO chromosome configuration.[Scientific American]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• Sex-changing mouse clones may help fight to save endangered speciesScientific American metered