American researchers did genome editing to prevent gene mutation that can lead to hereditary blindness, but found high risks on chromosomes.
According to a new study led by Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons developmental cell biology Assistant professor Dr. Dieter Egli, CRISPR-based genome editing can prevent accidental changes on DNA that could be passed on to future generations, but it is "not yet ready for clinical use."
In October, Professors Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the CRISPR genome editing approach, which is a promising tool for treating disorders. In 2018, it was used by Chinese scientist Dr. He Jiankui who created the first genome-edited twin babies, but is now imprisoned for doing illegal medical practices.
Dr. Jiankui shocked the scientific world as he announced during the Second International Summit on Human Genome Editing that twins Lulu and Nana were born with edited DNA using CRISPR/Cas9, which made them HIV-resistant. He was critizised for his work, particularly with ethical questions such as parental consent obtained and the experiment's lack of transparency.
According to China's Xinhua News Agency, they found that Dr. He did not obtain the required qualifications and violated the national scientific research as well as medical management regulations. Dr. He was sentenced to three years imprisonment with $430,000 fine for the performing illicit medical practices.
Meanwhile, his colleagues, embryologists Zhang Renli and Qin Jinzhou got lower sentences. Renli was sent to two years in prison with $143,000 fine while Jinzhou was sentenced for 18 month-jail time and $71,600 fine.
Related article: Women Developers of 'Crispr-Cas9' That Allegedly Alter Genes of Unborn Twins Get Nobel Prize
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Written by CJ Robles
