In the past decade, rapid advancements in genetic engineering and new research practices have raised both positive and negative responses in the medical community. The new ability to edit genomes has led to questions about ethics and what potential abuses the new technology could have. The effects of these developments are widespread and many times positive, contributing to things such as precision medicine, treatment for polygenic disorders, and even new cancer cures. However, new innovation and continuous growth must still be steered towards the right direction.
What is genome editing?
As defined by the National Human Genome Research Institutes, “genome editing is a method that lets scientists change the DNA of many organisms, including plants, bacteria, and animals. Editing DNA can lead to changes in physical traits, like eye color, and disease risk.” Although this technology has been around since the late 1900s, new advancements in technological capability have skyrocketed in the past decade. For example, the invention of CRISPR-Cas9, or Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat, elevated genetic engineering capabilities to be more precise and accessible than ever before. It was originally discovered in Jennifer A. Doudna’s lab, and enabled targeted editing of DNA sequences that modified specific base pairings and sequences. Other researchers then used the technology to create new diagnostic tools and models, allowing the potential for researchers to directly correct mutations in a person’s genetic code and permanently modify genes. CRISPR-Cas9 ended up receiving a Nobel Prize and is seen as one of the biggest accomplishments in the genetics field.
Ethical Concerns:
Ethical concerns have been at the forefront of conversations over new technology such as CRISPR and advanced gene therapy. Though these technologies contribute to the development of life-saving treatment, there is always the possibility of mistakes. Things such as off-target effects (editing the wrong sequence of genes) and mosaicism (when some genes carry the edit but not others) carry the risk of potential genetic mutations. Large scale mutations could alter protein function and develop into diseases and even cancer. However, the science community has reached the general consensus that editing is safe for research but requires strict regulations and oversight for clinical testing.
Aside from potential mistakes, another moral concern is how an increase in accessibility may lead to abuses of genetic engineering for non-therapeutic but enhancement purposes. An increase in “super babies”, which don’t yet exist today, could permanently alter the human species, as severe modifications could have cascading effects and unintended consequences. Genetic changes are different to other forms of treatment as they could be passed down to future generations, and that ambiguity makes people question if it is safe and ethical to change someone’s DNA.
Finally, another possible problem is unequal access to these new techologies. New genetic treatments are extremely expensive, which only allows the wealthy to afford them, potentially leading to more disparities in health outcomes depending on socioeconomic status or even location/country.
