Artificial gametes: eggs and sperm from stem cells

One of the most striking lines of research is creating eggs and sperm in the lab, starting from ordinary body cells. It is called in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG).

If it succeeds safely in humans, it could radically change the options for people who have no gametes of their own.

What are artificial gametes?

They are eggs or sperm produced in the lab from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) — body cells ‘reprogrammed’ so they can become any tissue.

Who could they matter for?

Women without eggs (for example after cancer treatment or premature ovarian insufficiency), men without sperm, and same-sex couples who would want a genetic link to both parents.

Has it been done in humans?

Not to create a pregnancy. In mice, healthy offspring have been born from artificial gametes. In human cells important first steps have been made, but producing mature, functional gametes remains experimental.

What barriers and questions remain?

The safety and genetic stability of the cells must be proven. At the same time, significant legal and ethical questions need answers before any clinical use.

The key message

Artificial gametes are an exciting prospect, not a current treatment. They are at the research stage and will need years of rigorous checks before safe use can be discussed.