Nuffield Council on Bioethics Report: Novel Techniques for the prevention of mitochondrial DNA disorders: an ethical review London: Nuffield Council of Bioethics 2012

Abstract

Inherited genetic disorders caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA can cause a wide range of severely debilitating and disabling health problems including heart and other major organ failure, stroke, dementia, blindness or deafness. These progressive disorders can onset at any age from birth and can cause premature death. There is currently no cure for these conditions. Research into techniques that could prevent the transmission of inherited mitochondrial DNA disorders is advancing, spearheaded by UK scientists. Using variations of IVF procedures, techniques such as pronuclear transfer (PNT) and maternal spindle transfer (MST) (see diagram overleaf), could make it possible for a woman carrying mitochondrial DNA mutations to have a healthy child that is genetically related to her. Both techniques rely on the use of healthy mitochondria from a donor's egg as replacements for the damaged mitochondrial DNA that would otherwise be passed on from the mother.