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So D, Sladek R, Joly Y. Modular Ontologies for Genetically Modified People and their Bioethical Implications. NANOETHICS 2024; 18:9. [PMID: 39170757 PMCID: PMC11333563 DOI: 10.1007/s11569-024-00459-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Participants in the long-running bioethical debate over human germline genetic modification (HGGM) tend to imagine future people abstractly and on the basis of conventionalized characteristics familiar from science fiction, such as intelligence, disease resistance and height. In order to distinguish these from scientifically meaningful terms like "phenotype" and "trait," this article proposes the term "persemes" to describe the units of difference for hypothetical people. In the HGGM debate, persemes are frequently conceptualized as similar, modular entities, like building blocks to be assembled into genetically modified people. They are discussed as though they each would be chosen individually without affecting other persemes and as though they existed as components within future people rather than being imposed through social context. This modular conceptual framework appears to influence bioethical approaches to HGGM by reinforcing the idea of human capacities as natural primary goods subject to distributive justice and supporting the use of objective list theories of well-being. As a result, assumptions of modularity may limit the ability of stakeholders with other perspectives to present them in the HGGM debate. This article examines the historical trends behind the modular framework for genetically modified people, its likely psychological basis, and its philosophical ramifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek So
- Department of Human Genetics, Centre of Genomics and Policy, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield, Room 5103, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1 Canada
| | - Robert Sladek
- Departments of Medicine and Human Genetics, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, 740 Avenue du Dr. Penfield, Room 6214, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1 Canada
| | - Yann Joly
- Department of Human Genetics, Centre of Genomics and Policy, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, 740 Avenue du Dr Penfield, Room 5103, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1 Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, Centre of Genomics and Policy, Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine, McGill University, 740 Avenue du Dr. Penfield, Room 5101, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1 Canada
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2
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Pacesa M, Pelea O, Jinek M. Past, present, and future of CRISPR genome editing technologies. Cell 2024; 187:1076-1100. [PMID: 38428389 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Genome editing has been a transformative force in the life sciences and human medicine, offering unprecedented opportunities to dissect complex biological processes and treat the underlying causes of many genetic diseases. CRISPR-based technologies, with their remarkable efficiency and easy programmability, stand at the forefront of this revolution. In this Review, we discuss the current state of CRISPR gene editing technologies in both research and therapy, highlighting limitations that constrain them and the technological innovations that have been developed in recent years to address them. Additionally, we examine and summarize the current landscape of gene editing applications in the context of human health and therapeutics. Finally, we outline potential future developments that could shape gene editing technologies and their applications in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pacesa
- Laboratory of Protein Design and Immunoengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Station 19, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Oana Pelea
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Jinek
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Subica AM. CRISPR in Public Health: The Health Equity Implications and Role of Community in Gene-Editing Research and Applications. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:874-882. [PMID: 37200601 PMCID: PMC10323846 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) is a Nobel Prize-winning technology that holds significant promise for revolutionizing the prevention and treatment of human disease through gene editing. However, CRISPR's public health implications remain relatively uncertain and underdiscussed because (1) targeting genetic factors alone will have limited influence on population health, and (2) minority populations (racial/ethnic, sexual and gender)-who bear the nation's greatest health burdens-historically suffer unequal benefits from emerging health care innovations and tools. This article introduces CRISPR and its potential public health benefits (e.g., improving virus surveillance, curing genetic diseases that pose public health problems such as sickle cell anemia) while outlining several major ethical and practical threats to health equity. This includes minorities' grave underrepresentation in genomics research, which may lead to less effective and accepted CRISPR tools and therapies for these groups, and their anticipated unequal access to these tools and therapies in health care. Informed by the principles of fairness, justice, and equitable access, ensuring gene editing promotes rather than diminishes health equity will require the meaningful centering and engagement of minority patients and populations in gene-editing research using community-based participatory research approaches. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):874-882. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307315).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Subica
- Andrew M. Subica is with the Department of Social Medicine, Population, and Public Health, University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
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4
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Abstract
Reproduction involves a wide range of biological processes, including organ formation and development, neuroendocrine regulation, hormone production, and meiosis and mitosis. Infertility, the failure of reproduction, has become a major issue for human reproductive health and affects up to one in seven couples worldwide. Here, we review various aspects of human infertility, including etiology, mechanisms, and treatments, with a particular emphasis on genetics. We focus on gamete production and gamete quality, which is the core of successful reproduction. We also discuss future research opportunities and challenges to further expand our understanding of human infertility and improve patient care by providing precision diagnosis and personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Sang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pierre F Ray
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Genetics Epigenetics and Therapies of Infertility, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, 380000 Grenoble, France
| | - Lei Wang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, the State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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5
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Li ZH, Wang J, Xu JP, Wang J, Yang X. Recent advances in CRISPR-based genome editing technology and its applications in cardiovascular research. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:12. [PMID: 36895064 PMCID: PMC9999643 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00447-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of genome editing technology has brought major breakthroughs in the fields of life science and medicine. In recent years, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing toolbox has been greatly expanded, not only with emerging CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) nucleases, but also novel applications through combination with diverse effectors. Recently, transposon-associated programmable RNA-guided genome editing systems have been uncovered, adding myriads of potential new tools to the genome editing toolbox. CRISPR-based genome editing technology has also revolutionized cardiovascular research. Here we first summarize the advances involving newly identified Cas orthologs, engineered variants and novel genome editing systems, and then discuss the applications of the CRISPR-Cas systems in precise genome editing, such as base editing and prime editing. We also highlight recent progress in cardiovascular research using CRISPR-based genome editing technologies, including the generation of genetically modified in vitro and animal models of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) as well as the applications in treating different types of CVD. Finally, the current limitations and future prospects of genome editing technologies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jing-Ping Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.,Yaneng BIOScience (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518102, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.
| | - Xiao Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences, Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, 100071, China.
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6
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Wienert B, Cromer MK. CRISPR nuclease off-target activity and mitigation strategies. Front Genome Ed 2022; 4:1050507. [PMID: 36439866 PMCID: PMC9685173 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2022.1050507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of CRISPR has allowed site-specific genomic modification to become a reality and this technology is now being applied in a number of human clinical trials. While this technology has demonstrated impressive efficacy in the clinic to date, there remains the potential for unintended on- and off-target effects of CRISPR nuclease activity. A variety of in silico-based prediction tools and empirically derived experimental methods have been developed to identify the most common unintended effect-small insertions and deletions at genomic sites with homology to the guide RNA. However, large-scale aberrations have recently been reported such as translocations, inversions, deletions, and even chromothripsis. These are more difficult to detect using current workflows indicating a major unmet need in the field. In this review we summarize potential sequencing-based solutions that may be able to detect these large-scale effects even at low frequencies of occurrence. In addition, many of the current clinical trials using CRISPR involve ex vivo isolation of a patient's own stem cells, modification, and re-transplantation. However, there is growing interest in direct, in vivo delivery of genome editing tools. While this strategy has the potential to address disease in cell types that are not amenable to ex vivo manipulation, in vivo editing has only one desired outcome-on-target editing in the cell type of interest. CRISPR activity in unintended cell types (both on- and off-target) is therefore a major safety as well as ethical concern in tissues that could enable germline transmission. In this review, we have summarized the strengths and weaknesses of current editing and delivery tools and potential improvements to off-target and off-tissue CRISPR activity detection. We have also outlined potential mitigation strategies that will ensure that the safety of CRISPR keeps pace with efficacy, a necessary requirement if this technology is to realize its full translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beeke Wienert
- Graphite Bio, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - M. Kyle Cromer
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regeneration Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States,*Correspondence: M. Kyle Cromer,
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7
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Zhou W, Yang J, Zhang Y, Hu X, Wang W. Current landscape of gene-editing technology in biomedicine: Applications, advantages, challenges, and perspectives. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e155. [PMID: 35845351 PMCID: PMC9283854 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The expanding genome editing toolbox has revolutionized life science research ranging from the bench to the bedside. These “molecular scissors” have offered us unprecedented abilities to manipulate nucleic acid sequences precisely in living cells from diverse species. Continued advances in genome editing exponentially broaden our knowledge of human genetics, epigenetics, molecular biology, and pathology. Currently, gene editing‐mediated therapies have led to impressive responses in patients with hematological diseases, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia. With the discovery of more efficient, precise and sophisticated gene‐editing tools, more therapeutic gene‐editing approaches will enter the clinic to treat various diseases, such as acquired immunodeficiency sydrome (AIDS), hematologic malignancies, and even severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. These initial successes have spurred the further innovation and development of gene‐editing technology. In this review, we will introduce the architecture and mechanism of the current gene‐editing tools, including clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR‐associated nuclease‐based tools and other protein‐based DNA targeting systems, and we summarize the meaningful applications of diverse technologies in preclinical studies, focusing on the establishment of disease models and diagnostic techniques. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of clinical information using gene‐editing therapeutics for treating various human diseases and emphasize the opportunities and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China.,Department of Hematology Hematology Research Laboratory State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan P. R. China
| | - Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Hu
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children Ministry of Education West China Second Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu P. R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapyy State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu People's Republic of China
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8
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van Dijke I, van El CG, Lakeman P, Goddijn M, Rigter T, Cornel MC, Henneman L. Dynamics of reproductive genetic technologies: Perspectives of professional stakeholders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269719. [PMID: 35727796 PMCID: PMC9212161 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Reproductive and genetic medicine are evolving rapidly, and new technologies are already impacting current practices. This includes technologies that can identify a couples' risk of having a child with a genetic disorder. Responsible implementation of new technologies requires evaluation of safety and ethics. Valuable insights for shaping governance processes are provided by various stakeholders involved, including healthcare professionals. Their willingness to adopt these technologies and guide the necessary systemic changes is required for the successful implementation of these technologies. In this study, twenty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals from different disciplines in the field of reproductive and genetic healthcare in the Netherlands. Three emerging technologies were discussed: expanded carrier screening (ECS), non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) and germline genome editing (GGE). By probing stakeholders' views, we explored how culture, structure and practice in healthcare is being shaped by innovations and changing dynamics in genetic and reproductive medicine. The general consensus was that the implementation of reproductive genetic technologies nationwide is a slow process in Dutch healthcare. A "typical Dutch approach" emerged that is characterized by restrictive legislation, broad support for people living with disabilities, values of an egalitarian society and limited commercialisation. Different scenarios for embedding ECS in future practice were envisioned, while implementation of NIPD in clinical practice was considered obvious. Views on GGE varied among stakeholders. Previous implementation examples in the Netherlands suggest introduction of new technology involves an organized collective learning process, with pilot studies and stepwise implementation. In addition, introducing and scaling up new technologies is complex due to perceived barriers from the legislative framework and the complex relationship between the government and stakeholders in this area. This paper describes how the international trends and advances of technologies are expected to manifest itself in a national setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy van Dijke
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla G. van El
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Phillis Lakeman
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëtte Goddijn
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessel Rigter
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martina C. Cornel
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lidewij Henneman
- Department of Human Genetics and Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Lei T, Du S, Peng Z, Chen L. Multifaceted regulation and functions of 53BP1 in NHEJ‑mediated DSB repair (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:90. [PMID: 35583003 PMCID: PMC9162042 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is crucial for the preservation of genomic integrity and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) is the predominant repair mechanism for any type of DNA DSB during the majority of the cell cycle. NHEJ defects regulate tumor sensitivity to ionizing radiation and anti-neoplastic agents, resulting in immunodeficiencies and developmental abnormalities in malignant cells. p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) is a key mediator involved in DSB repair, which functions to maintain a balance in the repair pathway choices and in preserving genomic stability. 53BP1 promotes DSB repair via NHEJ and antagonizes DNA end overhang resection. At present, novel lines of evidence have revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the recruitment of 53BP1 and DNA break-responsive effectors to DSB sites, and the promotion of NHEJ-mediated DSB repair via 53BP1, while preventing homologous recombination. In the present review article, recent advances made in the elucidation of the structural and functional characteristics of 53BP1, the mechanisms of 53BP1 recruitment and interaction with the reshaping of the chromatin architecture around DSB sites, the post-transcriptional modifications of 53BP1, and the up- and downstream pathways of 53BP1 are discussed. The present review article also focuses on the application perspectives, current challenges and future directions of 53BP1 research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Lei
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Suya Du
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
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10
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Xie C, Wang W, Tu C, Meng L, Lu G, Lin G, Lu LY, Tan YQ. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 28:763-797. [PMID: 35613017 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo Xie
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chaofeng Tu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lanlan Meng
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxiu Lu
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Lin
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Women's Reproductive Health Laboratory of Zhejiang Province, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yue-Qiu Tan
- Institute of Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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11
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Liscum M, Garcia ML. You can't keep a bad idea down: Dark history, death, and potential rebirth of eugenics. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:902-937. [PMID: 34919789 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
"Be careful what you wish for": This adage guides both how this project came to life, and how the topic covered in this review continues to unfold. What began as talks between two friends on shared interests in military history led to a 4-year discussion about how our science curriculum does little to introduce our students to societal and ethical impacts of the science they are taught. What emerged was a curricular idea centered on how "good intentions" of some were developed and twisted by others to result in disastrous consequences of state-sanctioned eugenics. In this article, we take the reader (as we did our students) through the long and soiled history of eugenic thought, from its genesis to the present. Though our focus is on European and American eugenics, we will show how the interfaces and interactions between science and society have evolved over time but have remained ever constant. Four critical 'case studies' will also be employed here for deep, thoughtful exploration on a particular eugenic issue. The goal of the review, as it is with our course, is not to paint humanity with a single evil brush. Instead, our ambition is to introduce our students/readers to the potential for harm through the misapplication and misappropriation of science and scientific technology, and to provide them with the tools to ask the appropriate questions of their scientists, physicians, and politicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mannie Liscum
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael L Garcia
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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12
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Shear MA, Massa A. In Utero Fetal Therapy: Stem Cells, Cell Transplantation, Gene Therapy, and CRISPR-Cas9. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2021; 64:861-875. [PMID: 34668889 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In utero fetal therapy offers the opportunity to prevent and treat diseases with a cellular or genetic basis. Components of successful fetal treatment include isolation of a replacement cell population, in utero stem cell transplantation, cell engraftment with fetal immune tolerance, and ongoing cell function. Fetal gene therapy with CRISPR-Cas9 represents an exciting potential therapy for genetic diseases not amenable to gene supplementation via adenoviral vector transduction. These fetal therapies have unique ethical and safety considerations. Clinical trials for in utero cell therapy are underway, as additional discoveries in stem cell biology and gene therapy move closer to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Shear
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew Massa
- Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York
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13
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Walters L, Cook-Deegan RM, Adashi EY. Governing Heritable Human Genome Editing: A Textual History and a Proposal for the Future. CRISPR J 2021; 4:469-476. [PMID: 34406046 PMCID: PMC8392078 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Heritable human genome editing (HHGE) has become a topic of intense public interest, especially since 2015. In the early 1980s, a related topic—human genetic engineering—was the subject of sustained public discussion. There was particular concern about germline genetic intervention. During the 1980s debate, an advisory committee to the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC)—agreed to provide initial public review of proposals for deliberate introduction of DNA into human beings. In 1984 and 1985, the RAC developed guidelines for research involving DNA transfer into patients. The committee also commented on the possibility of deliberately altering the human germline. We track the textual changes over time in the RAC's response to the possibility of germline genetic intervention in humans. In 2019, the NIH RAC was abolished. New techniques for genome editing, including CRISPR-based techniques, make both somatic and germline alterations much more feasible. These novel capabilities have again raised questions about oversight. We propose the creation of a new structure for the public oversight of proposals to perform HHGE. In parallel with a technical review by a regulatory agency, such proposals should also be publicly evaluated by a presidentially appointed Bioethics Advisory Commission.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeRoy Walters
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA; Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robert M Cook-Deegan
- Consortium for Science, Policy, and Outcomes, Arizona State University, Washington, DC, USA; and Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Eli Y Adashi
- Department of Medical Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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14
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Pediatric and Adolescent Oncofertility in Male Patients-From Alpha to Omega. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050701. [PMID: 34066795 PMCID: PMC8150386 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the latest information about preserving reproductive potential that can offer enhanced prospects for future conception in the pediatric male population with cancer, whose fertility is threatened because of the gonadotoxic effects of chemotherapy and radiation. An estimated 400,000 children and adolescents aged 0–19 years will be diagnosed with cancer each year. Fertility is compromised in one-third of adult male survivors of childhood cancer. We present the latest approaches and techniques for fertility preservation, starting with fertility preservation counselling, a clinical practice guideline used around the world and finishing with recent advances in basic science and translational research. Improving strategies for the maturation of germ cells in vitro combined with new molecular techniques for gene editing could be the next scientific keystone to eradicate genetic diseases such as cancer related mutations in the offspring of cancer survivors.
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