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A Chinese scientist says that, for the first time, babies are born after genetic manipulation. To make them resistant to AIDS because the father is infected with HIV.
"About Lulu and Nana" is the video on Youtube that shows Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who states: "Two wonderful Chinese girls, Lulu and Nana, were born weeping a few weeks ago, just like the other babies. The girls are now at home with their mother, Grace and her father, Mark. "Grace began her pregnancy with a normal in vitro fertilization, but with a difference.
And this difference was around the world yesterday. Because the researchers performed a genetic intervention on the embryo: "When Lulu and Nana were still a single cell," says Jiankui. This intervention has blocked the door through which HIV could infect a human. Everything had become normal, the procedure was safe and Grace had a normal pregnancy. "The procedure has not changed gene except the one that prevents HIV infection". Children are as safe and healthy as other babies, says Jiankui calmly.
Babies handled by Crispr
Meanwhile, the world is enthusiastically talking about the first babies of creators. However, it was not scientists who chose the color of the baby's eyes or hair, but the prevention of a disease. However, this "gene editing", the design of human embryos, is highly controversial and prohibited in Switzerland. The technique used is based on the scissors gene, the "CRISPR-Cas" technique. In doing so, the targeted sections of DNA are identified, excised and replaced by other sections of the genome. An inexpensive and fast method that is technically established. In the case of plants, for example, a new disease-resistant variety can be created. In humans, in this case in Lulu and Nana, but intervened in the human germ line and so has changed. And such an intervention in the genome means that all the descendants of the twins will assume that change.
The "gene edition" promises above all medical benefits, the correction of serious genetic defects and thus the cure of the resulting diseases. Exactly because of this, the intervention of the one in the evolution and thus in the biological self-regulation, to consider by the ethicists.
The reactions to the twin designers are also very negative. In the FAZ, Peter Dabrock, chairman of the German Council of Ethics, speaks of a super Gau for science. The experiments were "irresponsible human experiences". And according to the nda, the ethicist Nikola Biller-Andorno of the University of Zurich called this attempt irresponsible. Although the father was infected with HIV, it is highly unlikely that this virus will be inherited. So, it is not a cure, but an optimization. 122 Chinese scientists have described their colleague's work as "crazy". The potential risks for children are unexplored and immeasurable. The experiments undermine the global reputation of Chinese science.
22 embryos were treated
According to the AP news agency, the Jiankui team reportedly treated 22 embryos. Eleven of them were implanted in participating women in six trials until the birth of the twins. One of the girls born had managed to eliminate the HIV portal, while the other had only one copy of the gene disabled. This does not completely protect you from HIV infection. However, scientists doubt the existence of these genetically modified babies.
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