September 30, 2025

expert reaction to a paper describing the creation of functional egg cells from human skin cells through cell reprogramming

A study published in Nature Communications looks at reprogramming human skin cells to create functional egg cells. 

Prof Roger Sturmey, Professor of Reproductive Medicine, University of Hull, said:

‘This insightful piece of research demonstrates that the chromosomes of a differentiated adult cell, known as a somatic cell, can be persuaded to undergo a specific kind of nuclear division that would normally be seen only in eggs or in sperm. This offers a new understanding of the intricate molecular processes that control the segregation of chromosomes in the egg, during the stages immediately before the egg is fertilised.

‘This is important, because it opens up the possibility of creating functional new egg cells, containing genetic material that can – in principle – be taken from cells from anywhere in the body. This would be a form of in vitro gametogenesis. However, the rates of success reported in the study are comparatively low, and so the prospect of putting all this to clinical use remains distant.

‘The science is impressive, and the researchers were careful to seek the necessary review and guidance for their work. At the same time, such research reinforces the importance of continued open dialogue with the public about new advances in reproductive research. Breakthroughs such as this impress upon us the need for robust governance, to ensure accountability and build public trust.

Prof Ying Cheong, Professor of Reproductive Medicine and Honorary Consultant in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, University of Southampton, said:

“’For the first time, scientists have shown that DNA from ordinary body cells can be placed into an egg, activated, and made to halve its chromosomes, mimicking the special steps that normally create eggs and sperm. This breakthrough, called mitomeiosis, is an exciting proof of concept. In practice, clinicians are seeing more and more people who cannot use their own eggs, often because of age or medical conditions. While this is still very early laboratory work, in the future it could transform how we understand infertility and miscarriage, and perhaps one day open the door to creating egg- or sperm-like cells for those who have no other options.”

Prof Richard Anderson, Elsie Inglis Professor of Clinical Reproductive Science, Deputy Director of MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, said:

“Many women are unable to have a family because they have lost their eggs, which can occur for a range of reasons including after cancer treatment. The ability to generate new eggs would be a major advance, and this study shows that the genetic material from skin cells can be used to generate an egg-like cell with the right number of chromosomes to be fertilised and develop into an early embryo. There will be very important safety concerns but this study is a step towards helping many women have their own genetic children.”

‘Induction of experimental cell division to generate cells with reduced chromosome ploidy’ by Nuria Marti Gutierrez et al. was published in Nature Communications at 16:00 UK time on Tuesday 30th September. 

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-63454-7

Declared interests

Prof Ying Cheong: No COI’s

Prof Richard Anderson: Consultancy work in relation to fertility generally with Ferring, Fidia, Merck but none related to this area.

Prof Roger Sturmey: RS has received funding for research from UKRI MRC, BBSRC, NC3Rs and British Heart Foundation.  He was Chair of the SCBEM Code of Practice Working Group and is a member of the Oversight Group for the Nuffield Council on Bioethics project “Reviewing the 14 day rule: Public dialog”.