Genetic manipulation in humans
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Genetic Manipulation in Humans: Ethical, Medical, and Social Implications
Introduction to Genetic Manipulation in Humans
Genetic manipulation involves altering the genetic material of an organism to achieve desired traits or eliminate undesirable ones. In humans, this technology holds the potential to treat genetic disorders such as cancers, thalassemia, hemophilia, and cystic fibrosis by modifying specific genes1. However, the application of genetic manipulation in humans raises significant ethical, legal, and social challenges.
Ethical Issues in Embryo Genetic Manipulation
Gene Therapy and Eugenics
Embryo genetic manipulation can be categorized into gene therapy and eugenics. Gene therapy aims to treat or prevent diseases by correcting defective genes, while eugenics involves selecting or enhancing specific traits, which can lead to ethical dilemmas such as discrimination and the concept of "designer babies"1. The ethical concerns are profound, as these manipulations can affect future generations without their consent, raising questions about autonomy and the long-term impacts on human evolution1.
Fetus Autonomy and Bioethics
One of the most critical ethical issues is the aggression to fetus autonomy. Decisions made for an unborn child through genetic manipulation can lead to risks such as bleeding, miscarriage, and even death, without the fetus's knowledge or consent1. This raises significant bioethical concerns, as the changes made to fetal genes will be inherited by future generations, potentially affecting a wide range of communities1.
Cloning and Bioterrorism
Cloning, or asexual reproduction, is another controversial aspect of genetic manipulation. The creation of genetically identical organisms poses ethical questions about identity and individuality. Additionally, the potential misuse of genetic manipulation in bioterrorism, where pathogenic genes could be introduced into human populations, represents a global security threat1.
Medical Implications of Genetic Manipulation
Advances in Gene Therapy
Gene therapy has shown promise in treating genetic diseases by introducing normal DNA into somatic cells. This approach does not pose new ethical problems beyond those associated with novel medical therapies2. However, manipulating DNA in human fertilized eggs represents a significant departure from previous therapies, as it affects future generations2.
Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Recent advances in the genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem (hES) cells have led to significant progress in understanding gene functions and developing potential treatments. Techniques such as transfection, electroporation, and viral infection have been effective in manipulating hES cells, which could play a pivotal role in transplantation medicine and other therapeutic applications5 9.
Social and Legal Considerations
Public Awareness and Education
For society to make informed decisions about genetic manipulation, there must be a concerted effort to improve education in human biology and genetics at all levels. This will help the public understand the implications and potential benefits and risks of genetic manipulation2.
Legal Frameworks and Responsibility
The case of He Jiankui, who conducted unauthorized genetic modifications on human embryos, highlights the need for robust legal frameworks to regulate genetic manipulation. Both Chinese and Russian laws were found inadequate to address the complexities of such activities, underscoring the necessity for international consensus and stringent regulations to prevent misuse and ensure ethical practices8.
Conclusion
Genetic manipulation in humans offers tremendous potential for treating genetic diseases and advancing medical science. However, it also presents significant ethical, legal, and social challenges that must be carefully navigated. Ensuring that genetic manipulation is conducted responsibly and ethically requires ongoing education, robust legal frameworks, and a commitment to addressing the long-term implications for humanity.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
ETHICAL ISSUES OF EMBRYO GENETIC MANIPULATION
Embryonic genetic manipulation presents ethical challenges, including eugenics, high financial costs, and monopoly issues, which can lead to discrimination against disabled individuals and future generations.
Systematic ReviewImpact of genetic manipulation on society and medicine.
Genetic manipulation in plants and animals raises few ethical problems, but manipulating DNA in human fertilized eggs raises ethical concerns and requires improved public education in human biology and genetics.
Human Cloning and Genetic Manipulation: Some Theological and Ethical Issues
Human cloning and genetic manipulation involve four distinct classes, each with its own ethical implications.
Genetic Manipulation to Improve Athletes Performance - A Critical Review
Genetic manipulation can enhance athletic performance and healing processes, but its use is controversial and ethical debates remain.
Controlled and localized genetic manipulation in the brain
Transduction vectors like lentiviruses and adeno-associated viruses may enable localized and controlled genetic manipulation in the brain, aiding in the development of human genetic therapies for brain diseases.
Gene Therapy for Human Genetic Disease?
Gene therapy may improve some human genetic diseases in the future, but for now, it should be researched and only applied when it is proven beneficial and ethical criteria are developed.
Highly CitedRESPONSIBILITY FOR HUMAN GENOME MANIPULATIONS (HE JIANKUI’s CASE)
Chinese and Russian laws are not yet prepared to adequately respond to illegal human genetic manipulations, posing real public dangers.
Improved genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells
Optimized transfection protocols enable efficient genetic manipulation of human embryonic stem cells without loss of pluripotency or normal karyotypes.
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