China modifies babies in the laboratory: "It can be fatal"

According to their own statements, Chinese scientists have for the first time used the scissors method of the CRISPR / Cas gene to modify the human germline. From the genetic material of the fertilized oocytes of the Lulu and Nana girls, born a few weeks ago, the CCR5 receptor gene had been removed, whereby the AIDS viruses infect the cells. "Two healthy little girls, Lulu and Nana, came into the world crying – like all the other babies – Grace, the mother, became pregnant after a normal in vitro fertilization, with one difference: immediately after the sperm we had also introduced a small protein for the "gene surgery" in the egg of her husband, "said He Jiankui of YouTube, University of Science and Technology South (Shenzen).

The question has a serious background for Chinese scientists. They carry out the study that they have filed in the Chinese register of clinical trials on "the safety and the interest of editing the gene CCR5 for HIV immunity at home." human embryos ". The subjects are couples who want to have children, in which the man is HIV positive. However, HIV infection must be medically controlled. 20 pairs are planned for the clinical trial. It was the first birth of babies after such an intervention.

Intervention in evolution

"In this edition of the genome, the genes are modified or corrected, which represents a huge opportunity for somatic cells – in tissues – somatic gene therapy, for example, in lung cancer in adults or the hereditary muscle weakness in children with the disease would be formidable, but in the germ line, that is to say in the embryo, this is rejected for ethical reasons in most countries of the world, "says Markus Hengstschläger from MedUni Vienna.

Hengstschläger cited several reasons for this: "Although the CRISPR / Cas9 method is accurate, it does not always work exactly, which may result in effects far removed from the actual target." This can be fatal. is it an invasion of evolution, we change people, we will not bring it back. "

Inestimable consequences

The human genome has slowly evolved over millions of years in the evolution of Homo sapiens as an interaction between genetics and the environment. "But in such experiences, we have no idea what will come out, we can not go back, and the badessment of the impact is impossible," said the director of the Institute of Medical Genetics. In Austria, such interventions would be prohibited, as in most countries of the world, for example in the United States.

Reactions: "The secondary and late consequences are always incalculable."

"If it turns out that the gene scissors CRISPR, a baby handled by a gene was generated, it would act as a disaster for science." The secondary and late consequences are always In view of the claims made in China, it is necessary to consider the creation of a monitoring agency similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and humanity must have a say. , it's an intervention in the biological base of man. "
Peter Dabrock, Chairman of the German Ethics Council

"If this work is confirmed, it will be a break with the accepted and transparent approach of the global scientific community to use CRISPR / Cas9 to modify the human germline."
Jennifer Doudna, an American researcher, is one of the two creators of CRISPR / Cas9.

"The direct experiences of humans can only be described as crazy, the experiments are a blow to the worldwide reputation of Chinese science.Pandora's box has been opened and we may have a chance to close it before the damage is irreparable. "
More than 100 Chinese scientists reacted in a protest letter by sharply criticizing the announcement of their colleague He Jiankui.

"We are deeply shocked He Jiankui has seriously violated ethics and academic standards."
The University of Shenzhen, where he conducts research, on Monday dismissed any knowledge of his experiences.

"back to health"