Editing the genomes of human embryos are the center of debate over the ethics of gene editing. Scientists in China have reported editing the genomes of human embryos to modify a gene that causes a fatal blood disorder. The study is posted in the journal of Protein & Cell. Ethical concerns are waned by using non-viable embryos obtained from fertility clinics. The technique used involves injecting embryos with an enzyme complex that binds and splices DNA at specific locations. The complex is programmed to target a problematic gene that is then replaced. The use of gene editing still causes debate. Some say that this could help eradicate devastating genetic disorders before a baby is born. Others say that because genetic modifications are heritable, they could have an unpredictable effect on future generations.
The use of human embryos brings the data closer to that if viable human embryos were used rather than using animal models. I think this really helps when trying to eradicate genetic diseases, because this is the closest to using humans without the huge ethical concern. However, this is still up for debate. Even so, this can really help bring scientists are step further into eradicating genetic diseases.
It seems like the technique used to modify the gene is very similar to the way we used restriction endonucleases in lab to make cuts at a specific location. Although the use of gene editing can help to eradicate certain genetic disorders, the little research that has been conducted on its effect in future generations makes me a bit uneasy. What if overtime the editing of DNA leads to far worse problems in future generations.
ReplyDeleteThis article was incredibly interesting. The idea that we can genetically "customize" embryos to lack certain harmful genes could greatly improve lives. Since her baby's health is generally a mother's main concern, I can see this technique being in high demand if it can be proven safe for future generations. I believe this subject definitely needs more research however the benefits are incredibly tempting.
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