The introduction of new genetic material into an organism via sperm results in the activity of the inserted genes in the resulting mice embryos. Indicating that the new genetic material is inherited, the inserted genes were present and functioned in all of the three generations of mice that were tested. If this process is successful in humans, it would provide major advancement in genetic medicine. Diseases and disorders can be more effectively treated, or potentially cured at the genetic level. In addition,
human organ regeneration may be possible.
Link to the article
The prospect of preventing or curing illness at the genetic level certainly is attractive. Many good treatments can result from the research presented in this
FASEB Journal article. However, when treating organisms, especially humans at the genetic level, one must be very cautious. Any mishap will likely be permanent. Also, this process may be positively used in preventing diseases and disorders, but it may lead to purely superficial gene selections in humans; causing potential social issues.
