CRISPR twins – an unethical practice
From The Embassy of Good Science
ThemesCRISPR twins – an unethical practice
What is this about?
First CRISPR-edited babies were born in 2018, however, their birthday is still unknown. This was the result of unethical and unjustified science experiments. Chinese researchers, with He Jiankui as the lead scientist, genetically modified germ cells, to break a CCR5 gene that is required for HIV infection. This process is intended to protect newborns against HIV infection.[1]
Why is this important?
This scientific paper was sent to a peer-review process, during which unethical statements were established.[2] This work was highly unethical for four reasons. The study was flooded with technical unreliabilities. Second, it provided questionable informed consent. Furthermore, the paper lacked in detail information, for example, the funding sources. Finally, there is uncertainty about when the twins were born. Jiankui claimed that he disabled a CCR5 gene. However, this could predispose twins to other conditions. It has potentially caused mutations in other parts of the genome, and predisposed twins to other infections, such as West Nile, due to specific pathophysiology. Another major misbehavior is the silence of the science community, in general.[3]
For whom is this important?
What are the best practices?
CRISPR technology is supposed to be used to help individuals with major life-threatening diseases.[4] Recently, a new device was developed and introduced in the Phase I study in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus, which contains a medium of beta cells developed from pluripotent stem cells.[5] Other potential areas of use of this technology would be gene therapy in cancer treatment or personalized genetic medicine.
Stipe Dumancic contributed to this theme. Latest contribution was Mar 08, 2022
Other information
Good Practices & Misconduct
Research Area
- ↑ Cyranoski D. The CRISPR-baby scandal: what's next for human gene-editing. Nature. 2019;566(7745):440-442. doi: 10.1038/d41586-019-00673-1. PMID: 30809070.
- ↑ Cyranoski D. The CRISPR-baby scandal: what's next for human gene-editing. Nature. 2019;566(7745):440-442. doi: 10.1038/d41586-019-00673-1. PMID: 30809070.
- ↑ Cyranoski D. The CRISPR-baby scandal: what's next for human gene-editing. Nature. 2019;566(7745):440-442. doi: 10.1038/d41586-019-00673-1. PMID: 30809070.
- ↑ Piergentili R, Del Rio A, Signore F, Umani Ronchi F, Marinelli E, Zaami S. CRISPR-Cas and Its Wide-Ranging Applications: From Human Genome Editing to Environmental Implications, Technical Limitations, Hazards and Bioethical Issues. Cells. 2021;21;10(5):969. doi: 10.3390/cells10050969. PMID: 33919194; PMCID: PMC8143109.
- ↑ Clinical Trials Arena. CRISPR, ViaCyte dose first subject in Phase I diabetes trial [Internet]. Available from: https://www.clinicaltrialsarena.com/news/crispr-viacyte-t1d-trial/
