Murcia´s regional press highlights the scientific advances of AFRODITA

The regional press “La Opinión de Murcia” recently interviewed Professor Sebastián Cánovas, Project Manager of AFRODITA, together with several doctoral students from the project at the University of Murcia. In the interview, they discussed the latest scientific advances achieved within our project, highlighting the remarkable progress made in generating both oocytes (eggs) and spermatozoa from skin-derived cells — a development that could transform future fertility treatments and regenerative medicine.

Within our project AFRODITA, we explore how to reprogram somatic (skin) cells into germ-cell lineages capable of producing functional gametes. At the same time, we investigate fundamental aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as:

• How ART procedures affect the activation and deactivation of genes
• The optimal laboratory conditions for embryonic development
• The influence of parental age on the quality of gametes and embryos

Our interdisciplinary team — including doctoral researchers — is committed to understanding the biological mechanisms that govern gamete formation and early embryo development. By integrating molecular biology, genetics, and embryology, our work aims to improve both the efficiency and safety of ART while exploring innovative alternatives for individuals and species facing fertility challenges.

Although creating eggs and sperm from skin cells remains at a research stage, our findings represent an important step toward new possibilities in reproductive science. Ethical, regulatory, and safety considerations remain central to our approach as we move forward.

For more details, read the full article on La Opinión de Murcia: Read the full story