iPSC-Derived Gamete Production for Dual Genetic Relatedness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assisted reproduction technologies do not allow same-sex couples or infertile couples to have a child who is genetically related to both parents, and existing methods for infertility often require donated gametes, which may not be suitable for couples seeking genetic relatedness.
Innovation Solution
A platform utilizing immortalized induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to derive sperm and eggs, allowing couples to produce genetically related offspring through in vitro fertilization, and incorporating genome editing techniques to prevent genetic diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If donated gametes are used in IVF, then infertility treatment can proceed, but genetic relatedness to both parents cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as an intermediary substance. Biological samples (skin cells, blood cells, or hair follicles) from both partners are converted into iPSCs, which then serve as the basis for generating gametes. This intermediary allows genetic material from both same-sex partners to be utilized without requiring traditional donated gametes, thereby achieving both treatment success and genetic relatedness.
2Ease of operation
If same-sex couples use traditional IVF with donor gametes, then they can have biological children, but the children will not be genetically related to both parents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the biological parameter of gamete origin. Instead of using naturally occurring sperm or eggs from one partner plus donor gametes, the system converts somatic cells from both partners into iPSCs, then differentiates these into gametes. This parameter change enables dual genetic relatedness while maintaining the ability to achieve biological parenthood through IVF.
3Device complexity
If biological samples are stored as-is, then storage is simple, but the samples cannot be used indefinitely for reproduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting biological samples into iPSCs and storing them in a repository before they are needed for reproduction. This advance conversion and storage allows the genetic material to be preserved in a stable, immortalized state that can be retrieved and used years later, significantly extending the duration of reproductive utility while keeping the storage system relatively simple.
4Device complexity
If genome editing is not performed, then the process is simpler, but genetic diseases can be transmitted to offspring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by performing genome editing on the iPSCs before differentiating them into gametes and proceeding with IVF. This advance genetic screening and correction eliminates harmful mutations from the parental genome, preventing disease transmission to offspring. The genetic correction is performed beforehand, so the actual reproduction process remains relatively simple while the harmful effect of genetic disease transmission is prevented.
Data Source
AI summary
Reserves of immortalized genetic material are stored in a bank for providing a resource (e.g., artificial gametes) for couples (e.g., same sex couples) to produce biologically-related children. The reserves provide the ability to derive sperm from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC's) of one partner and/or eggs from iPSC's of the other partner. For example, a biological sample is stored as iPSC's that can be used to generate an unlimited supply of genetic material (e.g., artificial gametes for conception) when needed by a user (e.g., a year or more after the sample is provided, e.g., 5 years or more after the sample is provided). Such a bank is helpful for an individual in a same sex (or infertile) couple who desires to have biological children at some point during his/her lifetime, but does not plan to have children in the immediate timeframe, for example.