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In The News |
April 12 - Human Embryo Genetic Modification: Chinese Researchers Report Another Attempt At Controversial ProcedureArticle: Cloning And Genetic Engineering
According to a paper detailing the findings of the experiments, published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, the technique was performed on 45 fertilized, non-viable human eggs. The scientists were able to introduce a naturally occurring genetic mutation named CCR5 Δ32 into the embryos. This mutation, when present in humans, makes the T-cells, which are a subtype of white blood cells, immune to the HIV virus.
Of the 45 embryos injected with the RNA instructions during their one-cell stage, only 26 developed into eight-cell embryos and beyond. And, out of these, only four acquired the desired mutation. Editing human embryos is problematic because it could have long-term, unintended consequences. One such effect, wherein a surprising number of “off-target” mutations that act on other parts of the genome come into being, was visible in this particular study as well as the previous one carried out last year. Read Full Article ....
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