Scientists find way to eliminate inherited diseases with genetically modified human eggs

New gene-editing techniques are being improved and could soon eliminate inherited diseases from future generations by modifying the DNA of human egg cells.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Although the idea of editing chromosomes in human eggs or sperm is feared, due to the possibility of genetically-enhanced designer babies, the current research is being used to investigate the "possibility of eventually using gene-editing to produce IVF embryos free of he familial disease," according to The Independent.

"Genome editing in human embryos using current technologies could have unpredictable effects on future generations. This makes it dangerous and ethically unacceptable," explains an article in Nature with commentary from US-based geneticist Fyodor Urnov.

"Many oppose germ-line modification on the grounds that permitting even unambiguous therapeutic intervention could start us down a path towards non-therapeutic genetic enhancement. We share these concerns."

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However, researchers at Harvard Medical School have attempted gene-editing techniques, known as Crispr, on human ovarian tissue to see if they can take away the defective BRAC1, the gene corresponding with breast and ovarian cancer.

As their lab-cultured ovarian tissue progresses into egg cells, their research will now involve altering egg cells.

Although participant, veteran Harvard geneticist George Church emphasizes all of their projects are experimental, the cells were cultured, and they have no intention of fertilizing any of their eggs, it purely demonstrates the growing potential in altering human cells.

"This is very basic science and there is a very big difference between doing experiments on human cells in culture, which we've been doing for many years, and putting them into a human being," stated Church to The Independent.

According to The Independent it is the research's "precision and apparent safety [that] have astonished researchers, which is why it is now being considered for human germ-line therapy to correct inherited human diseases by genetically modifying eggs, sperm or IVF embryos."

Despite his own success in such experiments, Church is one in favor of stricter controls on scientists who desire trying the Crispr technique and germ-line therapy.

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