Shelly Fan in Singularity Hub:
Although mice with two dads have been born before, scientists used a completely different strategy in this study, which also provided insights into a reproductive mystery. In a process called “imprinting,” some genes in embryos are switched on or off depending on whether they come from the biological mom or dad. Problems with imprinting often damage embryos, halting their growth.
In the new study, the team hunted down imprinted genes in embryos made from same-sex parents, drawing an intricate “fingerprint” of their patterns. They then zeroed in on 20 genes and tinkered with them using the gene-editing tool CRISPR. Hundreds of experiments later, the edited embryos—made from two male donors—led to the birth of seven pups that grew to adulthood. Imprinting doesn’t just affect reproduction.
More here.
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