England Approves Gene-Editing

The United Kingdom scientists have been granted permission by the fertility regulator to genetically modify human embryos. This is the first of its kind in the country; the DNA- altering technique in embryos has been approved. The research is set to take place at the Francis Crick Institute in London and its aim is to provide a deeper understanding of the earliest moments of human life. However, it is considered illegal for the scientists to implant the modified embryos into a woman. The field is attracting controversy over concerns of opening its doors to designer or GM babies. DNA is the blueprint of life – the instructions for building the human body. Gene-editing allows the precise manipulation of DNA. A scientific advisor to the UK’s fertility regulator, Prof Robin Lovell-Badge, stated that: “China has guidelines, but it is often unclear exactly what they are until you’ve done it and stepped over an unclear boundary. “This is the first time it has gone through a properly regulated system and been approved. The experiments will take place in the first seven days after fertilisation. “During this time we go from a fertilised egg to a structure called a blastocyst, containing 200-300 cells. The work will be led by Dr Kathy Niakan, who has spent a decade researching human development. At the beginning of the year, Dr Niakan explained why she had applied to edit human embryos: “We would really like to understand the genes needed for a human embryo to develop successfully into a healthy baby. “The reason why it is so important is because miscarriages and infertility are extremely common, but they’re not very well understood.” The regulator, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), has given its approval and the experiments could start in the next few months.The director of the Crick, Paul Nurse said: “I am delighted that the HFEA has approved Dr Niakan’s application. “Dr Niakan’s proposed research is important for understanding how a healthy human embryo develops and will enhance our understanding of IVF success rates, by looking at the very earliest stage of human development.” Dr David King, the director of Human Genetics Alert, said: “This research will allow the scientists to refine the techniques for creating GM babies, and many of the government’s scientific advisers have already decided that they are in favour of allowing that. “So this is the first step in a well mapped-out process leading to GM babies, and a future of consumer eugenics.” Dr Sarah Chan, from the University of Edinburgh, said: “The use of genome editing technologies in embryo research touches on some sensitive issues, therefore it is appropriate that this research and its ethical implications have been carefully considered by the HFEA before being given approval to proceed. “We should feel confident that our regulatory system in this area is functioning well to keep science aligned with social interests.”