Manhattan Genomics, a New York-based startup, has reignited discussions around gene editing by aiming to edit human embryos to eradicate genetic diseases. This move comes seven years after the controversial gene-edited babies created by Chinese scientist He Jiankui using CRISPR technology. Jiankui’s attempt to make the embryos immune to HIV faced immediate condemnation from the scientific community, leading to legal repercussions.
With the goal of combating genetic diseases and reducing human suffering, Manhattan Genomics has assembled a team of experts, including a prominent in vitro fertilization doctor, a data scientist from Colossal Biosciences, and reproductive biologists. The startup’s co-founder, Cathy Tie, acknowledges the significant challenge of gaining societal acceptance for human embryo editing.
The allure of editing human embryos lies in the heritability of modifications. By correcting disease-causing mutations in embryos, future generations could be free from these genetic disorders. However, the risk of unintended consequences, such as off-target effects leading to conditions like cancer, remains a critical concern. Despite advancements in gene-editing precision, ethical dilemmas persist.
Source: WIRED