From GMO Foods to GMO Humans: What Lies Ahead

The Emergence of GMO Humans

Updated July 2023

The advent of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has opened up a new era in genetic engineering, which is now venturing into the realm of human applications. The concept of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) has been extended to humans, leading to the term “GMO Humans”. This term refers to the application of genetic modification techniques to human DNA, potentially bringing about significant changes in human health, longevity, and even physical and cognitive abilities.

The Potential Benefits of GMO Humans

The potential benefits of GMO Humans are vast and varied. For instance, genetic diseases that have plagued humanity for centuries could be eradicated. Conditions like cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease, and even certain types of cancer could become things of the past. Moreover, the technology could be used to enhance human capabilities, such as increasing intelligence, physical strength, or longevity. The possibilities are seemingly endless, and the potential benefits could be revolutionary.

However, the GMO Humans concept also raises many ethical questions. How far should we go in altering the human genome? Should we only use this technology for therapeutic purposes, or is enhancement also acceptable? What about the potential for creating a socio-economic divide between those who can afford these enhancements and those who cannot? These are complex questions that society must grapple with as we move forward with this technology.

The Future of GMO Humans

The future of GMO Humans is still uncertain. While the potential benefits are enormous, so are the ethical and societal implications. As we continue to explore the possibilities of this technology, we must do so responsibly, with a keen eye on the potential consequences. The key will be to strike a balance between harnessing the power of genetic engineering for the betterment of humanity and respecting the inherent dignity and value of the human person.

Do bacterial Genomes hold the key?

Indeed, bacterial genomes, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 system derived from bacteria, have revolutionized the field of genetic engineering and hold immense potential for human therapeutics. This technology allows for precise editing of the genome, enabling the correction of genetic defects and potentially treating a wide range of genetic diseases.

The CRISPR-Cas9 system was first discovered in bacteria as a part of their immune system to fend off viral attacks. It has since been adapted for use in other organisms, including humans. The system works by using a guide RNA to target a specific DNA sequence in the genome and the Cas9 enzyme to cut the DNA at that location. This cut can then be repaired by the cell’s own machinery, and in the process, specific changes to the DNA sequence can be introduced.

In terms of therapeutic applications, CRISPR technology is being explored for various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and sickle cell disease. In some cases, clinical trials are already underway. For example, in 2019, a patient with sickle cell disease was treated with CRISPR technology, marking a significant milestone in the field.

However, it’s important to note that while this technology holds great promise, it also raises important ethical and safety considerations. The idea of creating “superhumans” with enhanced abilities goes beyond the current therapeutic focus and into the realm of genetic enhancement, which is fraught with ethical dilemmas. Moreover, the long-term effects of genome editing are still not fully understood, and off-target effects, where unintended parts of the genome are edited, remain a concern.

In conclusion, while bacterial genomes have opened up new possibilities in human therapeutics, this technology must be carefully managed and regulated to ensure its safe and ethical use. Full Story

Are GMO humans coming?

The topic of genetically modified humans, or “GMO Humans,” has been a subject of intense debate and speculation since the announcement by Chinese scientist He Jiankui in 2018. He claimed to have used the gene-editing tool CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the genes of human embryos, making them resistant to HIV. The embryos reportedly developed into two healthy babies, twins named Lulu and Nana. However, this claim has not been independently verified, and the hospital named in He’s ethical-approval documents denied any involvement in the procedure.

Since then, the scientific community has been grappling with the ethical, medical, and societal implications of such a breakthrough. The potential for gene editing to prevent or cure diseases is enormous, but so are the risks. Unintended consequences could include unforeseen health problems, genetic mutations, and the potential for misuse in creating “designer babies.”

In 2020, an international commission of the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, U.S. National Academy of Sciences, and the U.K.’s Royal Society released a report setting strict conditions under which heritable human genome editing, changes that could be passed on to future generations, could be permissible. The report emphasized that such procedures should only be used for serious diseases and must follow a rigorous approval process.

In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a global registry to track research on human genome editing. The aim is to ensure transparency and accountability in this rapidly evolving field.

Moreover, advancements in gene-editing technologies continue to be made. For instance, a newer version of the CRISPR technology, known as “prime editing,” has been developed. This method allows for more precise edits and reduces the risk of unwanted genetic changes.

However, the debate around the ethical use of these technologies continues. While the potential benefits are significant, the risks and moral implications of altering human genetics are profound. The scientific community and society at large are still grappling with these issues, and it’s clear that the conversation around GMO humans will continue to evolve.

Ethics of Gmo Humans

The ethics of genetically modified humans is a complex and controversial topic that continues to evolve as scientific advancements are made. Jamie Metzl, a Senior Fellow of the Atlantic Council and member of the World Health Organization’s expert advisory committee on developing global standards for human genome editing, has contributed significantly to this discourse. His book, “Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity,” delves into the genetic revolution’s implications on humanity’s future.

Many parents are indirectly engaging in genetic engineering through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and preimplantation genetic testing. This allows them to select embryos less likely to have certain genetic diseases and chromosomal disorders. Prenatal testing is also used to detect congenital abnormalities, with some parents choosing to terminate pregnancies based on the results.

However, the birth of two girls in China whose pre-implanted embryos were genetically altered by a scientist has sparked global controversy. This incident has raised serious ethical questions about the boundaries of human genetic engineering. The scientist’s actions were widely condemned as unethical due to the potential unforeseen consequences of such modifications and the lack of comprehensive regulations governing this area of research.

As we move forward, it’s crucial to establish clear ethical guidelines and regulations for human genome editing to prevent misuse and ensure the safety and rights of all individuals. This includes considering the potential long-term effects on future generations, the risk of creating social inequalities, and the importance of informed consent. The work of experts like Metzl is instrumental in guiding these discussions and shaping the future of genetic engineering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advent of GMO Humans marks a significant milestone in the field of genetic engineering. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, we must also ensure that we do so in a way that is ethical, responsible, and in humanity’s best interests. The journey into the era of GMO Humans is just beginning, and it will surely be filled with challenges and opportunities.