Genetic Modification: Unraveling the Past, Present, and Future

Chinese biophysicist, He Jiankui.

The concept of genetic modification has long captured the imagination of scientists and the public alike. It promises the potential to reshape humanity by eradicating diseases and enhancing our biological capabilities.

However, the journey into this uncharted territory has been marked by both extraordinary breakthroughs and moral dilemmas. One scientist who found himself at the center of this storm is He Jiankui, a Chinese biophysicist often referred to as JK.

In 2018, JK sent shockwaves through both the scientific community and the world by asserting that he had pioneered the creation of the very first genetically edited babies.

He claimed to have modified the genetic composition of In vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos, subsequently introducing them into a woman’s womb, resulting in the birth of twin girls. The following year saw the birth of a third child.

In the wake of widespread international condemnation of his experiment, JK found himself subjected to house arrest and, subsequently, detention. In December 2019, a Chinese court sentenced him to jail for practicing medicine without a license.

The court determined that He had “knowingly breached” medical regulations and had “hastily applied gene editing technology” to the realm of assisted human reproductive medicine.

In April 2022, He was released from prison, and over the past several months, the scientist has been fervently promoting his plans to develop cost-effective gene therapies, commencing with a focus on addressing the rare ailment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

He unveiled the establishment of a laboratory in Beijing via social media in the preceding autumn and remotely shared his aspirations for this innovative venture during an event held by the University of Kent in the United Kingdom in early February.

However, a recent setback emerged when he publicly declared that he had obtained a visa for Hong Kong, where he contemplated pursuing work in the financial sector. Yet, Hong Kong authorities swiftly rescinded his visa, citing misinformation and announcing the initiation of a criminal investigation.

In the midst of these developments, the scientific community is torn regarding his resurgence, with numerous experts expressing their reservations.

Kiran Musunuru, a gene editing authority from the University of Pennsylvania who authored a book on the case, emphasized, “We have to be clear: He has no expertise in gene editing,” harshly characterizing his previous experiment as “a total, total disaster.”

Musunuru added, “I understand maybe some of this is a play to rehabilitate his reputation … But how can anyone think this is a good idea?”

Apprehensions loom within the scientific community that He might return to his previous work, which involved employing the CRISPR-Cas9 tool to genetically modify embryos, specifically by disabling a gene that facilitates the entry of HIV into cells. The objective was to render the children resistant to AIDS.

While the gene-editing tool holds immense potential for combatting various diseases and was acknowledged with the Nobel Prize in 2020 for its creators, He’s prior endeavors faced worldwide censure.

His actions involved modifications to embryos that could potentially be inherited by future generations, thereby risking alterations to the trajectory of human evolution. Furthermore, his work was deemed medically unwarranted and harbored the potential for unintended genetic consequences.

JK’s Ambitious Vision

JK’s intent, as revealed in a recent profile by The New Yorker, was rooted in a noble goal: to improve the human condition through genetic modification.

JK’s focus on eliminating HIV risk was particularly strategic. By recruiting couples in which one partner was HIV-positive and the other was not, he offered them a chance to have children without the fear of HIV transmission.

This approach demonstrates the complex ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding genetic modification. It pushes the boundaries of what is deemed acceptable in the pursuit of scientific progress.

Genetic Modification Explained

Genetic modification, in its essence, involves altering the genetic material of an organism, typically its DNA, to achieve specific outcomes. This process can be achieved through various techniques, with the most recent advancements centered around CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool.

CRISPR enables precise modifications to the DNA code, offering the potential to eliminate genetic diseases, enhance desirable traits, and fundamentally alter the course of human evolution.

Science and Morality

The ethical dilemma surrounding genetic modification has been a subject of debate for decades. Critics argue that playing with the genetic code of humans is tantamount to “playing God.” It raises concerns about unforeseen consequences, the potential creation of “designer babies,” and the slippery slope of eugenics.

The scientific community, ethicists, and policymakers grapple with these questions as they seek to strike a balance between scientific advancement and moral responsibility.

As JK reenters the scientific world, the fate of the embryos he previously worked on remains unclear. It is unknown whether any of these genetically modified embryos resulted in viable pregnancies or healthy babies.

The well-being of his former patients and the long-term effects of his genetic edits also hang in the balance. These unanswered questions underscore the complexity and unpredictability of genetic modification’s outcomes.

While JK’s story is undeniably unique, the broader landscape of genetic modification is rapidly evolving. Scientists have already made significant strides in genetically modifying other organisms, such as mosquitos engineered to combat the spread of diseases like malaria and genetically modified animals like cats with allergen-causing genes removed.

These developments highlight the potential of genetic modification not only in medicine but also in agriculture, conservation, and beyond.

The Future of Genetic Modification

The future of genetic modification holds both promise and challenges. Researchers continue to explore ways to refine and expand the scope of gene editing techniques. As technology advances and our understanding of genetics deepens, we may witness breakthroughs in disease prevention and enhanced human abilities.

However, as we navigate this uncharted territory, ethical considerations will remain paramount. Striking a balance between harnessing the power of genetic modification for the betterment of humanity and safeguarding against unintended consequences and ethical pitfalls will be an ongoing endeavor.