Overview of In Vitro Gametogenesis in Mice, Future Applications, and Related Social Changes and Ethics

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this review was to introduce the in vitro gametogenesis and explore the ethical dilemmas that will face the international community when the technology becomes clinically useful. In vitro gametogenesis is a developing area of study that aims to generate gametes partially or fully in the laboratory setting. Establishing reliable IVG methods requires a strong knowledge of the genetic, epigenetic and environmental regulators and conditions that drive the gamete development, which to date, is still patchy. The author has therefore created a detailed outline of the gametogenic timeline in mice, complete with known regulatory genes and epigenetic states. Various culture systems have been created towards this aim with limited success; however, some significant milestones have been met and these are reviewed here. As research progresses, we get closer to the ultimate goal of clinical application. The author presents how IVG could help a specific subset of cancer patients who have no other fertility preservations options. More controversial applications of the technology, such as multiplex, solo, and same-sex parenting are discussed along with their ethical and social consequences.