Mitochondrial donation pioneer Professor Mary Herbert joins the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
The Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) is pleased to welcome Professor Mary Herbert, who has now commenced her professorship in reproductive biology at the institute.
Professor Herbert was previously Professor of Reproductive Biology at the Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University and Scientific Director at Newcastle Fertility Centre. Her appointment at Monash University consolidates an existing institution-level research partnership between Monash University and Newcastle University.
Professor Herbert is a pioneer of mitochondrial donation and reproductive biology. She was at the forefront in the development of technologies and evidence that brought about changes in legislation to introduce mitochondrial donation to the UK.
Mitochondrial donation involves removing the nuclear DNA from a patient’s egg that contains faulty mitochondria. The nuclear DNA is then inserted into a healthy donor egg, whose own nuclear DNA has been removed. As the nuclear DNA is retained, the unique genetic information (that makes us who we are and determines what we look like) is passed on from mother to child, but the mitochondrial defects are not.
In Australia, 1540 children are born each year with mitochondrial defects that place them at risk of developing a disabling form of mitochondrial disease.
Mitochondrial disease is a debilitating genetic disorder that robs the body’s cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure. There is no cure. Current treatments aim to decrease the impact of symptoms but do not change the course of the disease.
In March 2022, the Australian Senate passed legislation, known as Maeve’s Law, to allow the introduction of mitochondrial donation to Australia.
The mitoHOPE Program, a pilot program and clinical trial hosted by Monash University and supported by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund, will lead the introduction of mitochondrial donation to Australian clinical settings while building an evidence base to improve the efficacy of mitochondrial donation, monitor safety and establish the feasibility of wider implementation.
Professor Herbert is contributing her expertise to the mitoHOPE Program, where she leads the program’s clinical research. She said that the mitoHOPE Program offers real hope to families.
“In one generation, mitochondrial donation has the potential to alleviate affected families of the devastating consequences of mitochondrial DNA disease,” Professor Herbert said.
“Because the risk of transmitting serious disease is unpredictable, women from affected families face uniquely difficult reproductive decisions.
“Our ultimate goal is to break the cycle of transmission. To accomplish this, we are focussing on refining mitochondrial donation technologies. Progress in this will be dependent on the generous help of women willing to donate eggs for research.
“It is truly a privilege for me to be part of the mitoHOPE project. It is also very exciting to have the opportunity to do this work here at Monash, which has long been synonymous with world-leading pioneering research in reproductive biology.”
The mitoHOPE Program includes a consortium of mitochondrial and clinical geneticists from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and around the country, fertility specialists and clinical embryologists from Monash IVF working together with reproductive scientists from Monash University and the University of Adelaide. The team also includes Monash clinical trial experts and a team of social science researchers to engage with the community.
The consortium is uniquely placed to lead the introduction of mitochondrial donation to Australia, said Professor John Carroll, Director of the Monash BDI and leader of the mitoHOPE Program.
“The mitoHOPE Program team is made up of world-leading experts in all aspects of delivering a successful mitochondrial donation trial,” Professor Carroll said.
“Mary and her team led the world in pre-clinical and clinical research in mitochondrial donation. Her contributions to The mitoHOPE Program will ensure that Australia has access to the very latest knowledge and innovations as we introduce mitochondrial donation to the country.”
About the mitoHOPE Program
The mitoHOPE (Healthy Outcomes Pilot and Evaluation) Program at Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute is piloting the introduction of mitochondrial donation into Australian clinical practice.
Mitochondrial donation is an IVF-based technique that has the potential to eliminate some forms of mitochondrial disease (mito) within families in one generation.
The mitoHOPE Program is led by a team of pioneering experts in all aspects of mitochondrial donation and in partnership with the mito community. Together, The mitoHOPE Program is committed to transforming the reproductive options for people impacted by mito.
About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute
Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.