Lab-grown sperm from stem cells could help infertile men, but may require gene editing
By
Michael Le Page
1h ago· 10 min readenInsight
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Summary
A US start-up called Paterna Biosciences claims it can take stem cells from men's testes and grow them into sperm cells in the lab, potentially enabling infertile men who don't produce sperm to father biological children. Columnist Michael Le Page notes that existing fertility treatments cannot help men who produce no sperm at all, and suggests this technique may need to be combined with gene editing to help many men. The article explores the science behind the claim, the limitations, and the ethical considerations of lab-grown sperm combined with genetic modification.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledInfertility isn't something men like to talk about, but it's very common.
Around 1 in 10 couples will have problems with conception, and in half of cases it is wholly or partly to do with sperm.
Paterna claims that it can take stem cells from the testes and turn them into sperm cells in the lab.
Columnist Michael Le Page suspects this technique will have to be combined with gene editing if it is to help many men.
Men who do not produce sperm can’t be helped by existing fertility treatments, but a start-up is now claiming it can grow their sperm in the lab. Columnist Michael Le Page suspects this technique will have to be combined with gene editing if it is to help