Unraveling Human Chimerism: Contemporary Perspective on Embryonic Development by Cellular Fusion and Artificial Methods
Pooja Pillai
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Jhoshitha D *
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Joshitha A
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Summana Sree G
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Akoijam Charulata Devi
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Dadam Tejasree
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
Shifa Raihaan Siddique
Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research 173, Agaram Main Rd, Selaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600073, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Chimerism, a fascinating biological occurrence, occurs when an organism possesses cells from two or more individuals, often stemming from the death of a fraternal twin. This phenomenon plays a role in stem cell biology, where pluripotent stem cells combine with embryos, influencing cancerous cell development. Human chimerism is observed in 5–15% of people, and artificial chimeras are created in stem cell research for organ development studies. Macrochimeras, with a hermaphrodite phenotype, are associated with sexuality and transgender identity. Tetragametic chimerism involves an unknown fraternal twin inside an individual, resulting in a unique mix of sexes. Research on chimerism in transplantation models contributes to regenerative medicine and disease-resistant crops, albeit with ethical concerns. In summary, chimerism is significant for understanding development, studying diseases, and advancing regenerative medicine, despite ethical considerations.
Keywords: Chimera, fraternal twin, intersex, transgenderism, tetra gametic chimera, gender discordance, homosexuality, genetic disorder regenerative medicine, organ development, disease- resistant crops