The global governance of human cloning: the case of UNESCO

Human cloning as reproductive means in future: a qualitative thematic study of underpinning values

Background and objective

The possibility of using human cloning to reproduce has been met with unease, shock, and prohibition in many countries, as well as the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technology and the World Health Organization. Exploring the value judgments that underpin these and other responses to reproductive human cloning (RHC) was the objective of this study.

Methods

In a qualitative design, this study explored values in their variety underpinning responses to RHC by conducting individual semi-structured in-depth interviews among nine scholars who were purposively sampled for contributing various perspectives. Thematic analysis was used to uncover qualitative contents systematically.

Results

Regulation of RHC, the first theme, was valued highly but this should become more sophisticated than plain prohibition and draw on accountable societal engagement that is well-informed by current knowledge and further research, rather than be misled by for example the mistaken assumption that cloned offspring would be exact replicas. The second theme was about potential consequences of RHC for which engagement and regulations should account. It concerns the valuing of the personhood and dignity of offspring from RHC, and averting exploitation and potential unwanted societal consequences. In the third theme, participants valued the individual's freedom to choose and reproduce.

Conclusion

Recognizing the needs among people who cannot reproduce in other ways, the agenda for the societal engagement on RHC suggested by this study is extensive and challenging. It includes that potential consequences should be pre-empted, exploitation of RHC be averted, criteria of acceptability and non-acceptability of using RHC be developed, and the limits to the use of RHC be articulated in accordance with technological constraints and the values, resources and preparedness of societies.

Cloning and Embryo Splitting in Mammalians: Brief History, Methods, and Achievements

Embryo splitting is one of the newest developed methods in reproductive biotechnology. In this method, after splitting embryos in 2-, 4-, and even 8-cell stages, every single blastomere can be developed separately, but the embryos are genetically identical. Embryo splitting, as an approach in reproductive cloning, is extensively employed in reproductive medicine studies, such as investigating human diseases, treating sterility, embryo donation, and gene therapy. In the present study, cloning in mammalians and cloning approaches are briefly reviewed. In addition, embryo splitting and the methods commonly used in embryo splitting and recent achievements in this field, as well as the applications of embryo splitting into livestock species, primate animals, and humans, are outlined. Finally, a perspective of embryo splitting is provided as the conclusion.

Creation of Cultures Containing Mutations Linked with Cardiovascular Diseases using Transfection and Genome Editing

OBJECTIVE

In this review article, we analyzed the literature on the creation of cultures containing mutations associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) using transfection, transduction and editing of the human genome.

METHODS

We described different methods of transfection, transduction and editing of the human genome, used in the literature.

RESULTS

We reviewed the researches in which the creation of сell cultures containing mutations was described. According to the literature, system CRISPR/Cas9 proved to be the most preferred method for editing the genome. We found rather promising and interesting a practically undeveloped direction of mitochondria transfection using a gene gun. Such a gun can direct a genetically-engineered construct containing human DNA mutations to the mitochondria using heavy metal particles. However, in human molecular genetics, the transfection method using a gene gun is unfairly forgotten and is almost never used. Ethical problems arising from editing the human genome were also discussed in our review. We came to a conclusion that it is impossible to stop scientific and technical progress. It is important that the editing of the genome takes place under the strict control of society and does not bear dangerous consequences for humanity. To achieve this, the constant interaction of science with society, culture and business is necessary.

CONCLUSION

The most promising methods for the creation of cell cultures containing mutations linked with cardiovascular diseases, were system CRISPR/Cas9 and the gene gun.

Advances in Pluripotent Stem Cells: History, Mechanisms, Technologies, and Applications

Over the past 20 years, and particularly in the last decade, significant developmental milestones have driven basic, translational, and clinical advances in the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine. In this article, we provide a systemic overview of the major recent discoveries in this exciting and rapidly developing field. We begin by discussing experimental advances in the generation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), next moving to the maintenance of stem cells in different culture types, and finishing with a discussion of three-dimensional (3D) cell technology and future stem cell applications. Specifically, we highlight the following crucial domains: 1) sources of pluripotent cells; 2) next-generation in vivo direct reprogramming technology; 3) cell types derived from PSCs and the influence of genetic memory; 4) induction of pluripotency with genomic modifications; 5) construction of vectors with reprogramming factor combinations; 6) enhancing pluripotency with small molecules and genetic signaling pathways; 7) induction of cell reprogramming by RNA signaling; 8) induction and enhancement of pluripotency with chemicals; 9) maintenance of pluripotency and genomic stability in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs); 10) feeder-free and xenon-free culture environments; 11) biomaterial applications in stem cell biology; 12) three-dimensional (3D) cell technology; 13) 3D bioprinting; 14) downstream stem cell applications; and 15) current ethical issues in stem cell and regenerative medicine. This review, encompassing the fundamental concepts of regenerative medicine, is intended to provide a comprehensive portrait of important progress in stem cell research and development. Innovative technologies and real-world applications are emphasized for readers interested in the exciting, promising, and challenging field of stem cells and those seeking guidance in planning future research direction.