Science has come close to the possibility of having children based on genetic material not from two, but from three parents at once. This is a huge step forward that could eventually wipe out incurable genetic diseases like muscular dystrophy from the face of the earth. The UK government has already announced a public consultation on a possible change to the IVF law that would allow the technology.
In the future, healthy DNA taken from the mother's egg (both before and after fertilization) can be transplanted into an egg donated by another woman. She is then transplanted to the mother again, thus avoiding the subsequent transfer of “damaged” genes into her mitochondria. In theory, the unborn child will have genetic material from mom, dad and donor, but without inheriting any of the characteristics of that donor.
Although this approach to IVF makes it possible to put an end to the most serious genetic diseases, it has already caused a storm of negative reviews in society. Many reproach scientists for the desire to create "hybrid" children with unpredictable risks for future generations. The British Ministry of Science is more cautious. Ono believes scientists have made a discovery that has the potential to save lives. But now it is necessary to establish a legal framework for this case.
Each mitochondrion contains a small number of genes (only 37 out of 23,000 in humans) that are passed from mother to child. Mutations in these genes can lead to the development of 50 serious, incurable genetic diseases that cause blindness, deafness, heart and kidney problems, and early dementia. Many victims of these diseases die before reaching adulthood.