Potential impact of human mitochondrial replacement on global policy regarding germline gene modification

Abstract

Previous discussions regarding human germline gene modification led to a global consensus that no germline should undergo genetic modification.

Identifying future research directions for biodiversity, ecosystem services and sustainability: perspectives from early-career researchers

“…Possible approaches to answering these research questions include drawing upon diverse cases in which engagement between scientists, decisionmakers and the general public has been central in communicating knowledge and enacting decisions (Ishii 2014). A proactive approach to integrating science with the needs of policy makers involves researchers working closely with and within decision-making bodies through formal or informal knowledge exchange partnerships and/or collaboratively determined research programmes (Mitlin 2008).…”

Assisted reproductive technologies to prevent human mitochondrial disease transmission

“…Finally, while in some jurisdictions the clinical use of MRT is unlawful or its regulation non-existent or unclear 43,44 , there have been two reports of the modification of embryos through MRT and their subsequent transfer to women 45,46 . Zhang et al 45 described the use of PNT to establish a pregnancy for a 30-year-old nulligravid woman with unexplained infertility.…”

Germline genome-editing research and its socioethical implications

“…Importantly, the results of the mito-TALEN research [40] suggest that this approach potentially bypasses one of the major ethical issues associated with mitochondrial donation, that is, the need for oocyte donation which might impose ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome on a specific haplogroup of females [6]. An alternative to the mito-TALENs might be a type of PGD which uses whole-genome amplification and the sequencing of polar bodies to identify oocytes with a low mtDNA mutation load [53].…”

“…However, this type of gene modification has raised tremendous debate in the context of medical beneficence, safety concerns, challenges to human dignity, and risk of abuse for eugenics or enhancement (the parental pursuit of specific traits for non-medical reasons) [5]. Consequently, many countries forbid human germline gene modification for reproductive purposes [4,6].…”

“…Although a controversial germline gene modification that has garnered intense attention worldwide -from initial consideration by the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) to the vote in Parliament -the UK became the first nation to legalize a form of human germline gene modification, changing the international regulatory landscape [6]. This opinion article reviews recent developments in mammalian germline genome-editing research.…”