Somatic Genome Editing: Technical Challenges and Ethical Appraisal

Abstract

The ability to modify the DNA sequences with molecular tools that employ nucleases has made it possible to edit genomes. Somatic genome editing is the procedure to alter the genome of somatic cells, making the changes introduced into the nucleotide sequence not inheritable. Powerful tools have been developed for therapeutic purposes to correct monogenic inherited disorders that often cause premature death and for which effective treatment options are not available. To ensure positive impact and minimise potential harms of these techniques, require to understand their limits in addition to apply values and principles that guide their use. This study reviews technical challenges of genome editing and appraises the Ethics of its application.