Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Also written as: MRT — Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
Experimental technique to prevent transmission of mitochondrial diseases by replacing defective mitochondria. Also called three-parent IVF.
Full Definition
An advanced assisted reproductive technology designed to prevent the transmission of serious mitochondrial diseases from mother to child. The procedure involves transferring nuclear DNA from an egg or embryo with defective mitochondria to a donor egg or embryo with healthy mitochondria. Two main techniques are used: maternal spindle transfer (MST) and pronuclear transfer (PNT). The resulting embryo contains nuclear DNA from the intended parents and mitochondrial DNA from the donor, hence the term 'three-parent baby.' This technology is currently legal in only a few countries and remains controversial due to ethical considerations about heritable genetic modification.
Usage
Usage note: Subject to strict regulatory oversight and ethical review in jurisdictions where permitted.
In Context
- "Mitochondrial replacement therapy was considered for the couple with a history of Leigh syndrome in previous pregnancies." — Genetic counseling report
- "The ethics committee reviewed the application for mitochondrial replacement therapy given the severity of the maternal mitochondrial disorder." — Committee minutes