Genome Modification: Learning from the Past, Understanding the Present, Preparing for the Future
Genome Modification: Learning from the Past, Understanding the Present, Preparing for the Future
Andrea Stefanovik |2020
Abstract
In our modern society, the medical and scientific fields are advancing swiftly, particularly in the area of genome modification, also known as genome engineering, or gene editing. An increasing focus is on gene editing for medical breakthroughs and patient interventions, as well as human genetic engineering to create the perfect human being; these aspects of genome modification are gaining world-wide attention and interest.1 Pharmaceutical organizations, both large and small, are competing to lead the way to new treatments for rare diseases and discoveries. However, although many advances have been made in research, in both in vivo and in vitro studies, the conclusive evidence of success is still to be fully explored in the clinical arena. The goal is to take the next step and use genome modification on actual human beings. The risks are high, but so is the need. However, if we embrace this challenge without fully understanding the risk, we will fail because we will not know what to do when something goes wrong. To move forward without considering possible unintended outcomes or the potential perils of human genome modification will set us up for failure at best, and loss of life at worst.
However, our society cannot hide from new discoveries such as genome modification due to ignorance, apprehension, and fear. Change must be embraced so it can be used to positively revolutionize the future. Nevertheless, for change to be successful, we must be willing to expect the unexpected.
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. ― Marie Curie
Leaders and scientists are standing on the precipice of new discoveries which will change lives forever. Although we have achieved mapping the entire human genome, there remain many unanswered questions and new challenges to be faced when dealing with human gene modification and its relation to disease interventions and treatments.2 To change the world and alleviate fear of gene modification, all associated and interrelated areas of genome innovation must be learned, discussed, and tested. We must learn from past mistakes, make changes today, take a leap of faith to transform the future, and be willing to face the future no matter the outcome. We cannot focus only on the positive aspects of genetic science. We must study the negative effects of what changing human DNA will do in the future and prepare for unexpected adverse effects which might not surface until generations later.
1Jamie F. Mezl, Hacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of Humanity (Napperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2019)
2Kevin Blighe et al., “Gene Editing in the Context of an Increasingly Complex Genome,” BMC Genomics 19 no.1 (2018).