What are the detection methods of the third generation IVF technology?
With the progress of science and technology, the third generation IVF technology has made great breakthroughs in the field of assisted reproduction. This technology can not only help couples who are unable to conceive naturally to achieve their reproductive aspirations, but also provide more comprehensive genetic information through a series of detection methods, reduce the development of unhealthy embryos and select unsuitable embryos. The following will elaborate on the detection methods of the third generation IVF technology from four aspects: embryonic chromosome screening, polygenic genetic disease screening, single gene genetic disease screening and gender screening.
First, embryo chromosome screening
Embryonic chromosome screening is an important test method in the third generation IVF technology. Chromosome abnormalities, such as Down's syndrome, Edwards syndrome, Pat's syndrome, can be screened by cell detection of embryos. These chromosomal abnormalities often lead to abnormal or unhealthy embryo development. Therefore, early screening can select healthy embryos for transplantation to improve the success rate of pregnancy.
Common embryo chromosome screening techniques include chimeric chromosome screening, small size chromosome screening and single cell NGS technology. Chimera chromosome screening detects the variation in the number and structure of embryonic chromosomes by making materials for meiosis of chimeric chromosomes. Small size chromosome screening is performed by sectioning chromosomes and observing the number and structure of chromosomes with fluorescence microscope. Single cell NGS technology can simultaneously detect hundreds of chromosome abnormalities, providing more accurate results of embryonic chromosome detection.
Second, polygenic genetic disease screening
Multi gene genetic disease screening is another important detection method in the third generation IVF technology. Many genetic diseases are caused by multiple gene mutations, such as cystic fibrosis, congenital deafness, etc. Through multi gene screening, we can know in advance whether the embryo carries mutations of genes related to these genetic diseases.
At present, gene chip technology and gene target sequencing technology are mainly used for screening polygenic genetic diseases. Gene chip technology can detect mutations of thousands of common genetic diseases related genes, and can conduct multiple screening at the same time. The gene target sequencing technology can carry out targeted mutation detection according to clinical needs, and provide more personalized genetic disease screening services.
Third, single gene genetic disease screening
Compared with polygenic genetic disease screening, single gene genetic disease screening is more professional and accurate. Single gene genetic diseases are genetic diseases caused by single gene mutations, such as hereditary dysmorphic cancer, blood diseases, etc. Through single gene genetic disease screening, it can be clear whether the embryo carries these mutations.
Single gene genetic disease screening mainly relies on high-throughput sequencing technology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. High throughput sequencing technology can simultaneously sequence millions of DNA molecules, thus realizing the detection of multiple single gene mutations. PCR technology can selectively amplify specific gene fragments, and then carry out mutation detection by sequencing or electrophoresis.
Fourth, gender screening
Gender screening is a common test method in the third generation IVF technology. Some families may wish to select the sex of the embryo to meet their special needs or maintain family inheritance. The sex of the embryo can be known in advance by detecting the sex chromosomes of the fertilized egg or embryo.
At present, DNA detection technology is mainly used in gender screening, including fluorescence in situ hybridization and DNA sequencing technology. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) can quickly and accurately determine the sex of embryos by detecting the fluorescence signal of DNA sequence. DNA sequencing technology can comprehensively sequence sex chromosomes, providing more reliable gender screening results.
Summary:
The detection methods of the third generation IVF technology mainly include embryonic chromosome screening, polygenic genetic disease screening, single gene genetic disease screening and gender screening. Embryonic chromosome screening can detect chromosomal abnormalities and improve the success rate of pregnancy; Multi gene genetic disease screening can know in advance whether embryos carry mutations of genes related to genetic diseases; Single gene genetic disease screening is more professional and accurate; Gender screening can meet the special needs of families. These testing methods help couples choose healthy embryos and realize their fertility aspirations by providing more comprehensive genetic information.
