CRISPR crisis: Is UK researcher’s human embryo gene editing research cause for worry?
CRISPR-Cas9 promises the next generation of therapies by correcting genetic mutations. However, gene editing is fraught with ethical controversies due to fear of eugenics and concerns of how it will affect future generations. Therefore, there were concerns when Kathy Niakan of the Francis Crick Institute applied for a license to conduct research using genome editing in human embryos to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA). The HFEA oversees all fertility treatment and embryo research in the UK.
It’s likely that the HFEA will take into serious consideration the recommendations that come out of the International Summit on Gene Editing in December. The committee will discuss the risks and benefits of editing genes in human embryos and how it should be regulated. Their report will strongly influence how the world will approach such regulations.
