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Second Paper to Show Human Embryo Editing
Second Chinese team reports gene editing in human embryos
Researchers in China have reported editing the genes of human embryos to try to make them resistant to HIV infection. Their paper — which used CRISPR-editing tools in non-viable embryos that were destroyed after three days — is only the second published claim of gene editing in human embryos.
The mutation that was introduced is the naturally occurring variant in the CCR5 gene seen in some people resistant to AIDS progression.
Introducing precise genetic modifications into human 3PN embryos by CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing (DOI: 10.1007/s10815-016-0710-8)
Chinese Team Uses CRISPR to Genetically Modify Human Embryo
Chinese team uses CRISPR to genetically modify human embryo
In this latest effort, the Chinese team reports that they obtained 213 fertilized eggs from a fertility clinic, which had been deemed unsuitable for in vitro therapy. The women who had donated the eggs all gave permission for the embryos to be used for genetic research, on condition that the embryos would not be allowed to mature into a human being. The team used the CRISPR technique to edit genes, adding a mutation that causes damage to an immune cell gene called CCR5—such cells that are damaged naturally have been found to lead to HIV resistance. Thus the point of the research was to learn more about the possibility of producing human babies that would be immune to HIV. The team reports that just 4 out of 26 of the embryos that were edited were modified successfully—some still contained genes that had not been modified, and others had resulted in unexpected gene mutations. All of the embryos were destroyed after three days. Due to the results, it is not clear what has been learned from the experiments, except that some groups, particularly in China, are willing to conduct such research despite international condemnation.
(Score: 1) by kanweg on Tuesday April 12 2016, @04:57PM
Would it be ethical to not check for dangerous DNA flaws, not fix them, and let a human being being born with severe defects as a result of this careless behaviour?
Bert
(Score: 2) by ikanreed on Tuesday April 12 2016, @05:00PM
In fact, we do that to some extent today. I'd personally consider an abortion for certain easily diagnosed conditions.
(Score: 2) by legont on Wednesday April 13 2016, @02:36AM
I once went to see some paintings, pictures and installations by a very sick artist. They were mostly masochistic in nature. He used his work to overcome his almost permanent pain due to some genetic condition and was scheduled to die young. Now get this. He was 5th, I think, child in the family and all his seniors had the same and already died. What shall we say about parents; morally wise.
"Wealth is the relentless enemy of understanding" - John Kenneth Galbraith.
(Score: 1, Informative) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday April 12 2016, @05:35PM
Keep doing that and there will be fewer humans born with severe defects.
If you do not view human embryos as sacred enough not to mess about with, then you should also see the logic and greater benefit of eliminating defective ones early. There's no real need for them. We have more than enough around.