Putting a Stop to Inheritable Edits to Human Genome?
The Human Genome project was an international research
project that’s goal was to determine the sequence of chemical base pairs that
compose DNA, and identify where all of the genes are located on the chromosome.
It was completed in April of 2003. There has been large growth in the genetics
field as a whole, but gene therapy is one widely known one. Gene therapy is the
practice of altering the body’s ordinary tissues to help with medical purposes.
It is still very experimental in humans, but is hopefully going to be a way to
help treat many chronic diseases such as Down’s syndrome, and Huntington’s
disease. One aspect of genetics that is
also being studied currently is inheritable edits. This will be the ability to
make changes to the human germline, which would be inherited by the person’s
child. This may be a way to alter the entire human species.
The article “Group of Scientists Seek Moratorium On Inheritable Edits to Human Genome” discusses inheritable edits. Many scientists
argued that this should not be something that is used. More importantly it was
argued that there is no need for this type of work, because it is rare that a
human disease be caused by only one gene. The other argument behind this is
that even if there is an embryo that has a Mendelian disease (a single-gene
defect), in vitro fertilization is used and will only produce a healthy child. To
counter these arguments, if parents both have copies of a dominant disease such
as Huntington’s disease, these edits will be the only way to change it. There
are many scientists weighing in on the regulations that need to be put in
place, but the one agreement that has been made is that this is not ready for
use yet.
I personally feel that there are many benefits to having the
ability to make germline alterations. Chronic diseases that are passed down
from generation to generation will be able to be stopped. But I do see the
problems that are associated with using this type of treatment. I think that
the treatment will probably be abused to alter traits such as hair color,
height, etc. There is the potential to no longer have the unique traits that
make humans different from one another. I am interested to see what regulations
are passed on this issue.
I agree with you about how the ability to make alterations in the germline will help prevent diseases being passed down from generation to generation. I think that strict regulations should be put in place to prevent anyone from abusing this treatment for cosmetic changes so those who really need to treat serious conditions will have the opportunity to do so and prevent diseases from being passed down to the next generation.
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