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Estimating Demand for Germline Genome Editing: An In Vitro Fertilization Clinic Perspective

Viotti, Manuel, Victor, Andrea R., Griffin, Darren K., Groob, Jason S., Brake, Alan J., Zouves, Christo G., Barnes, Frank L. (2019) Estimating Demand for Germline Genome Editing: An In Vitro Fertilization Clinic Perspective. The CRISPR Journal, 2 (5). pp. 304-315. ISSN 2573-1599. (doi:10.1089/crispr.2019.0044) (KAR id:78151)

Abstract

Germline genome editing (GGE) holds the potential to mitigate or even eliminate human heritable genetic disease, but also carries genuine risks if not appropriately regulated and performed. It also raises fears in some quarters of apocalyptic scenarios of designer babies that could radically change human reproduction. Clinical need and the availability of alternatives are key considerations in the ensuing ethical debate. Writing from the perspective of a fertility clinic, we offer a realistic projection of the demand for GGE. We lay out a framework proposing that GGE, hereditary genetic disorders, and in vitro fertilization are fundamentally entwined concepts. We note that the need for GGE to cure heritable genetic disease is typically grossly overestimated, mainly due to the underappreciated role of preimplantation genetic testing. However, we might still find applications for GGE in the correction of chromosomal abnormalities in early embryos, but techniques for that purpose do not yet exist.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1089/crispr.2019.0044
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Biosciences
Depositing User: Susan Davies
Date Deposited: 01 Nov 2019 10:28 UTC
Last Modified: 08 Dec 2022 23:15 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/78151 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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