Risky human experiment: Gene editing

Last year for the first time in the world, twin babies were born. Genetic design, called “the human experiment” by some experts, brings about ethical issues.

Chinese researcher He Jiankui announced that he edited the DNA of twin babies born with IVF treatment in a new and effective way. For this study, genetics of seven female embryos were changed during IVF treatment. Twin girls were born on the first attempt of pregnancy.

Jiankui explained that he did this to immunize the AIDS virus against HIV. All the men participating in the experiment were HIV carriers. In the experiment, however, the CCR5 gene, which allowed the HIV virus to enter the cell in the embryos, was disabled.

What is gene editing?

Genetic intervention in embryos is made possible by gene editing technology.

It has been discussed for many years that individuals' genes can be edited by applying gene editing techniques such as CRISPR or Cas9 to embryo, sperm or egg cells of unborn individuals. Although it is not officially announced, it is estimated that gene editing technology continues to spread rapidly.

While Hi Jiankui's work has made significant progress in this field, experts are approaching the issue in the light of new discussions about this technology. A series of DNA sequences Feng Zhang, one of the inventors of CRISPR, stated that unscheduled trials on gene editing should be stopped immediately.

Is it a “human experiment”?

Gene regulation technology is claimed to be dangerous for humans.

Genetic modification and genetic modification studies are called “genetic design”. Genetic design is banned in many countries as the changes in DNA are transmitted to the next generations and cause harm to other genes. Some experts also argue that genetic design will be a very risky situation for people.

Gene editing violates ethical rules

Gene editing in China is considered illegal.

The Chinese government has launched an investigation into Jiankui for making changes on human genes. Jiankui is said to ignore the rules of the ethical review documents by making gene-edited babies.

China's official news agency, Xinhua, announced that in the investigation conducted by the health committee in Guangdong province, it has been found that he deliberately fled to create a genetically modified baby with the goal of reproduction. It has also been stated that Jiankui has been using illegal methods for using human embryos.

No clear rules of ethics yet

A clear explanation of the issue cannot be made yet.

There are various debates around the world on the benefits and harms of gene editing technology. Some scientists argue that gene editing can be very useful for treating hereditary diseases. Another part argues that gene editing is not ethically appropriate. The group, which claims that the gene editing is unethical, agree with the view that these works will create an advantage for the rich.