New IVF technique can safely engineer babies using THREE parents’ DNA

BABIES can be safely engineered using three parents’ genes in a new IVF technique.

It means babies, born from genetically modified embryos, would have DNA from a mum, dad and a female donor.

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British scientists say it could cut the risk of mums passing on hereditary diseases. But critics have called it a step towards “designer babies”.

The method, known as early pronuclear transfer, removes key genetic material from an embryo after fertilisation.

It focuses on women’s mitochondria — which generate the chemical energy cells need to function.

Faulty mitochondria can lead to serious illnesses including multiple organ failure.

With the new technique, defective mitochondria are left behind.

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Parental DNA is then transferred to a donor embryo with healthy mitochondria.

It would result in babies with 0.1 per cent of their DNA from the second woman, which would pass to later generations.

Experts claim it does not harm early development.

We are optimistic that the technique will offer affected women the possibility of reducing the risk of transmitting mitochondrial DNA to their children

Prof Mary Herbert

Prof Doug Turnbull, director of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Disease at Newcastle University, said: “This study is a major advance.”

Colleague Prof Mary Herbert added: “We are optimistic that the technique will offer affected women the possibility of reducing the risk of transmitting mitochondrial DNA to their children”.

The study will be considered by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority, which will ultimately decide whether to issue the first licence to a clinic.