threeparent

"Threeparent" is a term that has emerged in discussions surrounding advancements in assisted reproductive technologies, specifically those that involve the genetic material from three individuals. This concept is most notably associated with mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), sometimes referred to as "three-parent IVF."

In MRT, a woman who carries a mitochondrial disease can have a child using her egg's nuclear DNA, the egg of a donor whose mitochondria are healthy, and the sperm of the intended father. The nuclear DNA contains the vast majority of a person's genetic traits, while mitochondria, often called the cell's powerhouses, contain their own small set of DNA. Mitochondrial diseases are passed down solely from the mother through her mitochondria. MRT aims to prevent these debilitating or fatal conditions by replacing the mother's faulty mitochondria with healthy ones from a donor.

The resulting child inherits nuclear DNA from both intended parents and mitochondrial DNA from the donor. This means the child has genetic material from three people. The term "threeparent" is descriptive of this genetic makeup. Ethical considerations and regulatory approvals have been significant in the development and implementation of these technologies, with different countries having varying legal frameworks regarding their use. The scientific community continues to research and debate the long-term implications and applications of genetic material derived from multiple individuals.