March 11, 2009

experts respond to new PGD Technique published in Human Reproduction

Details have been revealed of a new preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) technique to test for genetic disease.

Prof Peter Braude, Guys Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, said:

“This method is interesting as it adds to the techniques available for helping couples who can transmit serious genetic disease. However PGD for these two diseases is already available using molecular techniques and on a single cells rather than having to take two from the embryos which could disadvantage it. However it may be useful for those microdeletions which are difficult to do in molecular ways and in those units that do not have appropriate molecular facilities. It may be of increasing use when more sophisticated robotic array technology becomes available.”

Dr Jess Buxton, of Progress Educational Trust, the UK charity that informs debate in assisted conception and genetics, said:

“This study is good news for families affected by conditions caused by the loss of parts of a particular gene (so-called microdeletions), who wish to consider using embryo testing to avoid passing on the disease to their children. The researchers have successfully used the technique to detect microdeletions that cause inherited cancer syndromes, but it could potentially help families affected by a wide range of other genetic conditions.”

Dr Alan Thornhill, Scientific Director, the London Bridge Fertility, Gynaecology and Genetics Centre, said:

“This new test is a welcome addition to the growing battery of tests to help couples have healthy children free from specific genetic disorders. On the plus side, the test uses the robust and well-validated FISH methodology, but on the down side a new test needs to be developed for each different disorder. We, and others, are developing new off-the-shelf microarray tests that simultaneously assess all twenty-four chromosomes in the embryonic genome which could make this type of testing obsolete.”