Genetically engineered people
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Genetically Engineered People: Ethical, Medical, and Environmental Considerations
Ethical Concerns of Genetic Engineering in Humans
The ethical implications of genetically engineered humans have been a topic of intense debate. Bill McKibben's book "Enough: Staying Human in an Engineered Age" argues that genetic enhancement and cloning could lead to significant psychological harm. McKibben suggests that individuals who know they were genetically engineered might struggle with personal responsibility and self-worth, questioning whether their achievements are truly their own or a result of their engineered traits3. This concern highlights the potential for a crisis in identity and self-perception among genetically engineered individuals.
Medical Applications: Genetically Engineered T Cells and Cancer Therapy
Genetic engineering has shown promising applications in the field of medicine, particularly in cancer treatment. Genetically engineered T cells, equipped with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or T cell receptors (TCRs), have demonstrated significant efficacy in treating certain hematological malignancies. These engineered T cells enhance the body's immune response by specifically targeting cancer cells, leading to notable successes in some patients6. For instance, the adoptive transfer of genetically engineered lymphocytes has resulted in objective cancer regression in patients with metastatic melanoma, showcasing the therapeutic potential of this approach4.
Genetically Engineered Mouse Models in Cancer Research
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have become indispensable tools in oncology research. Unlike traditional cancer cell inoculation models, GEMMs develop tumors in a natural, immune-proficient environment, closely mimicking human cancer's histopathological and molecular features. These models are crucial for validating cancer genes, assessing drug efficacy, and understanding the tumor microenvironment. Advances in genetic engineering have further refined GEMMs, accelerating the development of new cancer therapies and their translation into clinical practice2.
Environmental Risks of Genetically Engineered Organisms
The release of genetically engineered organisms into natural or semi-natural environments poses potential ecological risks. While most engineered organisms are designed to thrive under controlled conditions, introducing new traits into wild populations could lead to unpredictable evolutionary outcomes. The artificial insertion of genetic traits might enhance an organism's fitness and competitiveness, potentially disrupting existing ecosystems. Identifying and mitigating these risks remains a significant challenge for scientists5.
Public Perception and Moral Opposition
Public attitudes toward genetic engineering, particularly in food, are often negative. Many people view genetically engineered food as dangerous and morally unacceptable, perceiving it as a violation of naturalness. This opposition is deeply rooted in the belief that nature is sacred and should not be tampered with. The concept of "sympathetic magical law of contagion" suggests that even minimal contact between natural food and an unnatural entity, such as foreign DNA, can render the food unacceptable to consume1.
Conclusion
The field of genetic engineering, especially concerning humans, is fraught with ethical, medical, and environmental challenges. While the medical applications, particularly in cancer therapy, show great promise, the ethical concerns and potential ecological risks cannot be overlooked. Public perception remains a significant barrier, driven by deep-seated moral beliefs about naturalness. As the technology advances, it is crucial to address these concerns through rigorous ethical scrutiny and robust regulatory frameworks.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
An Overview of Attitudes Toward Genetically Engineered Food.
Laypeople tend to view genetically engineered food as dangerous and unbeneficial, with moral objections based on perceived violations of naturalness and the sympathetic magical law of contagion.
Highly CitedGenetically engineered mouse models in oncology research and cancer medicine
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are essential for cancer research, providing valuable insights into cancer gene and drug targets, therapy efficacy, and tumor microenvironment impact.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedEnough: staying human in an engineered age
McKibben's alarmist tone effectively raises concerns about the potential harms of cloning, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology, with a focus on psychological harm and the potential for a dystopian future.
Highly CitedCancer Regression in Patients After Transfer of Genetically Engineered Lymphocytes
Genetically engineered lymphocytes can effectively induce objective cancer regression in metastatic melanoma patients when administered through adoptive transfer after host immunodepletion.
Non-RCTHighly CitedThe adaptive potential of genetically engineered organisms in nature.
Genetically engineered organisms may pose environmental risks due to their potential for unpredictable evolutionary changes, and identifying those organisms is crucial for managing their impact.
Genetically engineered T cells for cancer immunotherapy
Genetically engineered T cells show promise in treating hematological malignancies, but their efficacy in treating solid tumors remains unsatisfactory.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedGenetically engineered bacterium: Principles, practices, and prospects
Genetically engineered bacteria show promise in combating various diseases, but practical implementation and implementation challenges remain.
Genetically engineering milk
Genetic engineering of dairy animals has advanced, but its potential contribution to agricultural productivity must be evaluated to address global food security challenges.
Genetically engineered pigs as models for human disease
Genetically modified pigs are promising models for human diseases, offering a more accurate translation of basic knowledge into clinical applications.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited