A new technological breakthrough, called CRISPR, could be used to fix broken genes. Dr Tony Perry, a geneticist at the University of Bath, announced in January that society should be prepared for the onset of genetically-engineered humans. He told the BBC that “designer babies” were no longer “HG Wells’ territory”.
Named one of the Top Science Breakthroughs of 2013, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) technology uses “molecular scissors”, or restriction enzymes, to cut specific genes from DNA. These technological advances have already been used to cure mice of liver diseases and produce hornless cattle. So, how could these scientific triumphs be applied to the wellbeing of future generations?
As a tool of genetic modification, CRISPR allows for easy manipulation of DNA, which can be permanently sealed, and inherited by offspring. This means that the use of human genome editing could drastically reduce the risk of genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, by using the molecular scissors to cut out the genes that carry this information before the embryo has fully developed. Not only this, but some scientists argue that development of the technology could result in revolutionary modification to immune cells that protect the body against viral infections and cancerous tumours.
Dr Alexander Marson from the University of California, San Francisco, says: “There is increasing interest in manipulating the genome of T-cells, either by correcting mutations or changing the genome to increase the chances of the cells being able to fight off cancer or infections”.
In February 2015, the UK became the first country to pass laws approving mitochondrial transfers, with the vote receiving a majority of 254. The process involves replacing DNA in an egg in order to prevent devastating mitochondrial diseases that can only be inherited from the mother. Ideally, three-parent babies – as they are more commonly known – will allow mothers with a high risk of passing on the disease to have children without the concern of their child inheriting it.
It is evident from the outcome of the votes for mitochondrial transfers that MP’s in the UK appear to be comfortable with the idea of utilising such scientific advances rather than outlawing them as totally unethical. During the debates, government minister Earl Frederick Howe told the House magazine: “Families can see that the technology is there to help them and are keen to take it up, they have noted the conclusions of the expert panel.”
Although the concept of building your own “super” baby sounds ideal, genetic engineering in human embryos has been an extremely controversial topic since its first onset in the Seventies. Many argue that it is shamefully unethical on the basis that we are “playing God” by creating these “designer babies”. Publishing group, Nature, has even called for a global moratorium of the matters.
While CRISPR technology has been used by Chinese scientists to modify the gene Beta Thalassaemia, which can cause a potentially fatal blood disorder when mutated, its long-term effects are unknown as faulty embryos were deliberately used.
Dr Philip Webber, an expert on biotech patents, tells me: “Although CRISPR is a very specific editing process, there are still worries that it might accidentally make some “off target” changes to genes that we do not want to change, and that these “off-target” changes could result in tumours”.
He adds that CRISPR technology has the potential to correct gene defects, and even carries the possibility of introducing humans with desirable traits. However, “it will be up to the legislators to set the appropriate boundaries that society wants to impose”.
Although the possibility of curing a fatal disorder is great, there should be concerns about the risk of creating disorders. If germline modification is heritable, the effect this could have on future generations is unpredictable and if, hypothetically speaking, an issue did arise, it could be impossible to find a cure.
As stated in an article in the Nature journal: “The precise effects of genetic modification to an embryo may be impossible to know until after birth.” Inevitably, this elicits further ethical debates regarding whether or not it is right to create children who may be prone to a life of disease.”
According to the Francis Crick Institute: “In the UK, it is legal to do this for research purposes on early human embryos with a licence from the HFEA, but the 14-day limit applies and it would be illegal to implant the embryos into a woman for further development.”
Ultimately, the discovery of genetic editing is a phenomenal and revolutionary achievement, one that has the possibility to positively alter the genetic information of both animals and humans. However, with the long-term effects being ambiguous, the risk of harming future generations is far too serious to ignore. Before even considering whether or not genetic editing is ethical, more research and development must be completed to ensure that it is as safe as possible.
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