The Chinese have edited the DNA of a human embryo for the second time

Is it ethical or not, but the Chinese continued to acquire new knowledge in this area




Photo: Sandy Huffaker / Getty

Scientists from China have reported modifying the genome of a human embryo. This is the second attempt of the Chinese. The first one was carried out last year - then the experts have tried to remove the gene that is responsible for the emergence of a rare blood disease. As previously reported on Geektimes, a team of researchers from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou succeeded to replace the "defective" DNA segment, which led to the development of serious disease, a normal portion without defect. Such changes may lead to a cure of a number of genetic disorders over time, as well as edit the appearance of the child and to eliminate the genes that lead to development of mental deficiencies.

This time, a different team of scientists from the Medical University of Guangzhou held a similar experience. Only genes is not cut, and added. Experts have tried to incorporate into the DNA of a mutation that would allow a person to become resistant to the effects of HIV.

In the past experiences of zygotes 86 during "processing" only 71 survived and only four could replace the "defect" in the DNA of a normal portion. Therefore, Chinese scholars have considered his method is partially suitable for use, stating the need to improve the technology.

The work was conducted by the method of CRISPR.



Nanoinektor, which was used in the course of the previous experiment

Now the results are about the same. 213 fertilized eggs from 87 patients were collected in the clinic for patients with infertility. 26 cells were chosen for the experiment, and only 4 were successfully treated. In this part of the embryos obtained unplanned mutation - a side effect of technology, partly described in the last year. After the experiment, all embryos were destroyed after three days.

According to experts, to see the results of research, the results at the same time encouraging and disturbing. Pleasing - because the technology has worked in a similar manner and for the second time. Disturb - since using this technology manifest side effects were observed in the first experiment.

Despite the fact that the experiment was successful only in part, the data obtained in the course of the experiment, are very valuable for science. Perhaps the next time Chinese scientists will be able to "cure" a greater number of embryos.

As for the European countries, the United States - are still debating the ethical side of the issue. Many scientific journals, including Nature and Science, refusing to publish works of Chinese scholars on this subject. Do you feel the need to conduct such experiments? Yes, of course I do not know, a difficult question No, it's completely unethical and unacceptable Voted 537 people. 61 people abstained. Only registered users can participate in the survey. Come in, please.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/274138/