For the first time in embryonic genetic modification history

For the first time in Chinese history, Chinese scientists have done genetic modification of human embryos, raising controversy.

Embryonic gene modification for the first time

Researchers from Zhongshan University, Guangdong, introduced embryos an enzyme that could be " programmed" , aiming at a gene involved in blood disorders that are potentially fatal in humans. They use genetic modification techniques called CRISPR . Of the 86 embryos used in the experiment, only 28 were successful with a small fraction of the alternative genetic material.

Gene regulation was first performed in human embryos.(Artwork: Reuters)

" If you want to perform with normal embryos, you need to have a 100% rate, that's why we stopped ," said head of research Junjiu Huang. Published in the journal Protein and Cell, the authors say that genetic modification caused an unforeseen mutation in some other genes.

According to IB Times, the team took embryos from local maternity homes and used embryos incapable of living. However, experts around the world think this will be a warning for similar experiments in the future.

" I believe this is the first report on the CRISPR / Cas9 technology application for human embryos. Research is a milestone as well as a warning to anyone who thinks this technology is ready. to test the elimination of disease genes , " said George Daley, a stem cell biologist at Harvard Medical School. He said this is an unsafe method, should not be done at this time and probably never.

A group of comments that identified embryo adjustment may help eliminate genetic disease before the baby is born, while protests suggest that this overcomes moral limits. In the February issue of Nature, researchers have warned that genetic changes in the embryo may have unpredictable effects on future generations. Meanwhile, Huang's work with his colleagues seems to be sparking debate, as other reports indicate human embryo testing is being done secretly in China.