Swedish scientists controversy when editing genes in human embryos

Fredrik Lanner, a Swedish scientist last week, sparked a wave of controversy when interfering with the genetic information of a healthy human embryo. Until now, despite the use of editing technology to create genetically modified crops or disease-resistant animals, scientists have always faced harsh criticism. More seriously, the human DNA modification in embryos if unfortunately can create a serious genetic disease, and spread from generation to generation.

This is the primary concern of geneticists and ethics in the past few years, as CRISPR technology has become popular. CRISPR-Cas9 is also the technique that Lanner uses in his research. CRISPR basically acts as a knife at the molecular level, which can affect your genome and change DNA, in an extremely accurate way.

Lanner is currently working at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm (the capital of Sweden), and has conducted genetic modification in human embryos, to monitor embryonic development in the early stages. The factor that he specifically targets is that genes play an important role in the development of a normal embryo, in order to gain more knowledge about issues such as infertility, miscarriage, stem cells and finding the cause of depression.

"If we can understand how these initial cells are regulated in actual embryos, that will help us in treating patients with diabetes, Parkinson's, or other diseases. in the future, "said Mr. Lanner. It is known that no embryo is allowed to grow beyond 2 weeks. "Without CRISPR, we won't be able to do this in human embryos , " Lanner said.

Fredrik Lanner (right) at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm (Sweden) and his student - Alvaro Plaza Reyes, are analyzing the exaggerated image of a human embryo.They hope to be able to create a healthy human embryo through genetically engineered e.

Gene editing in a healthy embryo is considered a big step, as such technology can permanently change the human genome. This technique allows us to eliminate lethal genetic diseases, and in theory, it can also be used to design children according to the desired traits. Although there is no plan for a modified embryo transplant into the mother's womb, however, if Mr. Lanner's study shows the feasibility of correcting the genes of healthy embryos, people You can use this tool to edit and implant embryos in the future.

In this regard, in December 2015, researchers organized an international summit to discuss the application of genetic modification techniques on humans. After the conference, the conclusion was that the technology was not allowed to be used to alter the genes of embryos that were about to enter pregnancy. In addition, scientists also think it would be "irresponsible" to carry out genetic modification on germ lines (changes can be passed on to later generations), until we have more more information about safety and ethical issues.

However, members at the summit also said that basic studies using human genetic modification techniques, including Lanner's research, are acceptable. Meanwhile, other researchers, such as a team of experts in the UK, have been licensed to use CRISPR tools to intervene in human embryos in the early stages of development. This study will also be carried out on healthy human embryos, but that embryo will not last more than 7 days to guarantee ethical standards.