Today is a history making day – scientists in London have been granted permission to edit the genomes of human embryos for research. The approval, by the UK’s Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority (HFEA), represents the world’s first endorsement of such research by any national regulatory authority. The Francis Crick Institute may now begin, what many are calling controversial experiments, as early as March. Their prime interest is to, “deactivate genes and leftover embryos from IVF clinics to see if it hinders development.” This will be the second time, in the world to date, that something like this has been attempted and only the first time that the procedure has been approved. The Chinese did similar experiments last year.
What scientists are now after, in this moment, is trying to figure out why around 50% of fertilized eggs don’t develop properly. If they knew which genes were crucial for healthy cell division, than they could properly screen embryos whose DNA was not working properly. This would prevent miscarriages and aid in the fertility process. So, to begin, the team would like to use up to 30 embryos and potentially work on another three genes – which would bring the total number of embryos to 120.
From the article in the Telegraph:
The new technique to edit the genes is called, Crispr. It acts like scissors and can snip out which ever part of the DNA the scientists need, thereby allowing them to see if it is a needed part of the embryos growth process. The Crick Institute team will first attempt to block the activity of a master regulator gene called OCT4. This gene is active in the cells that go on to form the developing fetus. The team then plans to end its test tube experiments within a week after fertilization, when the embryos contain around 64 two 256 cells, known as the blastocyst stage.
Below is more from the Telegraph article:
Yes, this new technique could allegedly permanently remove harmful mutations and prevent miscarriage but it could also lead to people choosing their children – so-called “designer babies” or genetically modified humans. The team has already begun to contact fertility clinics across the country, inquiring about the possibility of using their left over human embryos. Thankfully, there is some added protection and that no research may be done until they’ve received approval and it is still illegal to transfer these embryos into a woman. ~Health Nut News