Analysis Of The First Baby Boy s Mother Carries Genes For...

In April 2016 the first baby boy, using a new technique that incorporates DNA from three people, was born. This revolutionary yet also controversial technique promises to help children avoid fatal genetic disorders passed down by their mothers. The boy’s mother carries genes for Leigh syndrome, which is a lethal disorder that affects the developing of the central nervous system. While supported by many, others state that mitochondrial donation is a step too far for genetic engineering. So, what is Leigh syndrome? Leigh syndrome is the most common mitochondrial disease in children (2). It is characterized by the degeneration of the central nervous system (i.e. brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve). The symptoms of the syndrome usually appear between the ages of three months and two years old, but some patients do not show any symptoms until several years later. Symptoms are associated with progressive neurological deterioration and include loss of appetite, vomiting, irritability, and/or seizures. As Leigh syndrome progresses, other symptoms appear, such as general weakness, hypotonia and episodes of lactic acidosis, which may lead to problems of the respiratory system and kidney function. In most cases, Leigh syndrome is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. However, X-linked recessive and maternal, due to a mitochondrial DNA mutation, inheritance are also possible. (2, 6-8) In this case, the gene was inherited from the mother to her offspring(s) due to a mutation found