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 A technological innovation that can strategically edit out specific
stretches of DNA could ultimately lead to the genetic modification
of children, and should be halted before it starts being used,
scientists at the Center for Genetics and Society and the activist
group Friends of the Earth argued in their report.
"Once the process begins, there will be no going back. This is a
line we must not cross,” said Pete Shanks, a consulting researcher
with the Center for Genetics and Society and author of the report.
Advocates say the technology, CRISPR/Cas9, can speed the day that
scientists can prevent heritable diseases. Opponents worry about
unknown effects on future generations and the temptation for future
parents to pay for genetic enhancements such as greater intelligence
or athletic ability.
CRISPR/Cas9 allows scientists to manipulate genes like the "find and
replace" function in word processing changes text. Scientists
introduce enzymes that bind to a mutated gene, such as one
associated with disease, and then replace or repair it.
The technique, if used to alter the DNA of human sperm, eggs, or
embryos, holds the promise of eliminating a host of inherited
diseases. But many scientists worry that this could produce unknown
effects on future generations, since the changes are passed on to
offspring.
Scientists note that the gene-editing techniques can also be used to
alter the DNA of non-reproductive cells to repair diseased genes.
The objections come to so-called "germline editing" in which
reproductive cells are modified.
In May, the White House endorsed a ban on germline editing pending
further study of the ethical issues.
The latest report was released on the eve of a summit convened by
the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and its counterparts from
China and the United Kingdom, following a series of events this year
that have brought new urgency to the debate.
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In March, a group of scientists led by one key developer of the
CRISPR technique called for a voluntary research ban on the use of
the technology for germline editing, reflecting fears about safety
and eugenics. Shortly after that, a team of Chinese scientists
reported carrying out the first experiment to alter the DNA of human
embryos.
That news ignited an outcry from some scientists, though others
defended the Chinese research as careful and safe since it used only
non-viable human embryos.
Friends of the Earth, an environmental group, has also been a
leading opponent of genetically modified foods, including a recently
approved salmon that grows faster than its wild cousins. The Center
for Genetics and Society, founded in 2001, advocates for close
oversight of human biotechnology.
(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen. Editing by Jonathan Weber and David
Gregorio)
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