Risks inherent to mitochondrial replacement

The UK Government has recently been debating whether or not to legislate to allow mitochondrial replacement (MR) to be used in the clinic. However, we are concerned that some of the science of MR has been misunderstood, or otherwise given only fleeting consideration. We set out our arguments below and offer a way forward to ensure that MR can safely deliver the health benefits it promises for those suffering from mitochondrial-related diseases\n\nRecent innovations that enable mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations to be eliminated from the germline, by replacing mutated mitochondria within an oocyte with mitochondria from a healthy donor female1-3, offer hope for the eradication of several debilitating and lethal mitochondrial diseases. The potential for clinical application of MR has received widespread support4,5, but has also provoked safety and ethical concerns from the public ...