The genetic revolution in artificial reproduction: a view of the future.
With the completion of the human genome project, micro-array technology offers the potential to open up a whole new vista in assisted reproduction. In the next 10-20 years we will be able to screen each human embryo for all numerical chromosomal abnormalities as well as many genetic diseases. Micro-array analysis may permit the screening of multiple alleles for monogenetic diseases and polygenic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and schizophrenia. In the near future, it may be possible to assess an individual's genetic predisposition for cardiovascular disease, all types of cancer and infectious diseases. In the distant future, it may even be possible to screen for any genetic trait, e.g. stature, baldness, obesity, hair colour, skin colour or even IQ. Although it is still uncertain what molecular genetic tools may be available, we can be sure that some of these trends will have major consequences on the future of assisted reproduction and society at large.
The Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science of Saint Barnabas, West Orange, New Jersey, USA. carol.brenner@embryos.net
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D002869:Chromosome Aberrations / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology; D018628:Gene Dosage; D015870:Gene Expression; D005819:Genetic Markers; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D005826:Genetics, Medical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends*; D016045:Human Genome Project; D006801:Humans; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology; D012099:Reproductive Techniques / Q000639:trends*
D005819:Genetic Markers