A mouse created in China by researcher Zhi-Kun Li has survived to adulthood without a biological mother, showcasing advancements in stem cell engineering. While this isn’t the first instance of a mouse with two male parents (Japanese researchers achieved this in 2023), the challenge of generating viable offspring without a mother has typically led to severe developmental disorders. The Chinese mouse is healthier than earlier attempts, although around 50% of its siblings did not survive, indicating room for improvement in the success rate.
The research highlights how genetic imprinting—where specific genes must come from both male and female parents—creates barriers in development. Li and colleagues addressed 20 imprinted gene issues through various genetic techniques, suggesting potential breakthroughs in stem cell and regenerative medicine. Unlike some species that can reproduce without sperm, creating viable embryos with two fathers is unprecedented. Improved techniques allowed for better success rates, leading to about 13% of generated embryos resulting in live offspring, though the Chinese mice remain infertile. The findings point to future possibilities for treating imprinting-related diseases. The research was published in “Cell Stem Cell.”
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