the invention of The Genschere Crispr/Cas9 has changed all that. Never researchers DNA could reliably, quickly and cost-effectively to change, as it is today. Customize not only the genetic Blueprint, of plants and animals, but potentially also that of the people. Designer babies seem to be – technically – always realistic. The question is: do we Want to? And because there is considerable doubt.
The 34-year-old scientist, He Jiankui from China that was no matter. He has implanted according to its own information of embryos with Crispr, a resistance to HIV. For the first Time ever, genetically modified babies came to the world. In the case of a girl of the intervention, however, was incomplete. His DNA was changed, but it is not protected against HIV. An independent confirmation of the Experiments is missing. (More on this topic here).
In the Interview, Katja Becker, Vice-President of the German research Foundation (DFG) explains what is so dangerous in the experiments, why they are difficult to prevent, and why Crispr nevertheless, not the devil’s tool.
To the Person Franz Möller Katja Becker is a Professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at the Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Vice-President of the German research Foundation (DFG) and chair of the standing Senate Commission on genetic research of DFG. She explores sickness parasites such as the Malaria pathogen, using molecular biological methods.
MIRROR ONLINE : Mrs. Becker, what did you think, as you have heard from the HTS Experiment?
Katja Becker: I was shocked, I have to say, really. We in the DFG and the scientific world in Germany condemn the intervention in the strongest possible terms. However, the news did not come entirely as a surprise. It is possible to change with Crispr, human embryos, genetically, and you can prevent any technology, make sure it is abused.
MIRROR ONLINE : If Hes the information is correct, is one of the girls protected from HIV. Why is the Experiment still bad?
Becker: We are not able to estimate the effects and side effects currently. It is a major intervention into the genome. If you change genes in embryos, these manipulations later in all cells of the resulting people. They are inherited through Egg and sperm cells of the following generations – even if there is a dangerous error. It may Sultanbet also be that only after several generations of problems.
MORE on THE SUBJECT Allegedly manipulated embryos Of> breaking the taboo of the Lord, He
MIRROR ONLINE </b : What are the problems?
Becker: The surgery can make people sick. Studies have shown that the Editing of a gene with Crispr in human cells, also in other parts of the genome to changes. This can be harmless, the changes can cause, for example, severe metabolic disorders, the risk of cancer increase, the actually a viable Embryo is to destroy or cause a child to survive after the birth only a few days. To take the purchase is in the highest degree unethical.
MIRROR ONLINE : What are the risks specifically in the case of the girl?
Becker: After all, what you know, wanted to. He production of a receptor suppress the HI Virus needs to be in immune cells invade This means that the researcher has not intervened in the immune system of the girl – a very complex area that is sensitive to changes. The consequences are difficult to estimate. Perhaps the girls are protected by look bad in front of other agents, maybe they have a higher risk for autoimmune diseases. The child, in which the intervention only partially works, bears the risks, but has no HIV protection.
MORE on THE SUBJECT of Allegedly genetically-modified babies, The incision
MIRROR ONLINE : Crispr-tools can be ordered on the Internet. Could anyone make such Attempts?
Becker: Each. One needs to have a functional laboratory and a little know-how. If you then want to change a specific property, you must know exactly which genes are behind it. This is not often the case. Therefore, it is important that we now establish, in consultation with the policy areas in which Crispr should be used and which are not. Since we’re at it.
MIRROR ONLINE : Why they are forbidden Crispr?
Becker: Crispr itself is not dangerous and provides great opportunities. It would be fatal to take advantage of the opportunities. With the tool, for example, by breeding plants that grow better in drought. Also gene therapies for sick people to be tested. Not, the Embryo is not changed, but to specifically targeted cells of diseased organs. Crucial for bans is not the technology should be, but rather what is done with it.
