Gene-Editing Policy

A group of experts recently met to discuss the use of gene-editing. This group from The National Academies of Sciences and Medicine issued a recommendation on Feb. 14th stating that altering germline cells (such as eggs, sperm, and embryos) should be allowed if the editing cures genetic diseases, but does not enhance health or abilities. Germline cells are reproductive cells, and any genetic modification in these cells will be passed on to future generations- a very useful tool for curing a disease in not just one person, but their future offspring. Co-chair of the recent panel Alta Charo, says "We are not trying to greenlight heritable germline editing...We're giving it a yellow light." In other words, the panel of experts is trying to find the special circumstances in which the use of germline editing is justified by a very great need for its healing potential. Some examples of these special cases would be curing cystic fibrosis or Huntington's in someone, and thus eliminating the disease from any of their future offspring.

This recent recommendation, for allowing germline editing in certain cases, goes against a global summit's previous recommendation that gene-editing should not be used in the germline. Many scientists fear that allowing any form of germline editing would open the floodgates for other, less necessary, applications (such as designing a baby's eye-color or increasing athletic ability). Marcy Darnovsky, director of the Center for Genetics and Society in Berkeley, says “Once you approve any form of human germline modification you really open the door to all forms...I’m feeling very unsettled and disappointed by what they are recommending.”

Clinical trials that would produce heritable changes in the human genome are currently banned in the U.S. Still, the debate about germline gene-editing rages on, and this recent recommendation may pave the way for a change in policy.

Link to Science News article:
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/human-gene-editing-therapies-are-ok-certain-cases-panel-advises?mode=topic&context=87