VIDEO: Oocyte modification might prevent mitochondrial diseases

Clinical trials using genetically modified oocytes to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases in humans may be soon become a reality. But the potentially promising approach to prevent conditions such as Leigh disease and MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes) is not without controversy.

In an interview, Dr. Salvatore DiMauro, the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center, outlined the impact that mitochondrial DNA–related diseases have on women’s and children’s lives, and he explained why genetically modified oocytes may offer new hope for those affected by these diseases.

[email protected]

Clinical trials using genetically modified oocytes to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases in humans may be soon become a reality. But the potentially promising approach to prevent conditions such as Leigh disease and MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes) is not without controversy.

In an interview, Dr. Salvatore DiMauro, the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center, outlined the impact that mitochondrial DNA–related diseases have on women’s and children’s lives, and he explained why genetically modified oocytes may offer new hope for those affected by these diseases.

[email protected]

Clinical trials using genetically modified oocytes to prevent the transmission of mitochondrial diseases in humans may be soon become a reality. But the potentially promising approach to prevent conditions such as Leigh disease and MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and strokelike episodes) is not without controversy.

In an interview, Dr. Salvatore DiMauro, the Lucy G. Moses Professor of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center, outlined the impact that mitochondrial DNA–related diseases have on women’s and children’s lives, and he explained why genetically modified oocytes may offer new hope for those affected by these diseases.

[email protected]