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Hoffman MM. Guiding Students to Think Critically about Reproductive Development and Public Conversations on Sex and Gender. Dev Biol 2024:S0012-1606(24)00239-2. [PMID: 39374891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 08/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024]
Abstract
Developmental Biology is intricately connected to current issues of societal and political importance. Bringing these connections into the classroom makes the biology topics relevant to our students and, when students find classroom topics relevant, they are more likely to think critically about the material. In addition, this type of engagement encourages students to remain in science majors and pursue careers in biological and biomedical fields. The use of guided inquiry methodology, scaffolded discussions, and a variety of source material on sex and gender, has been successful in engaging students in an undergraduate Developmental Biology course.
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Abstract
The concept of personhood has been central to bioethics debates about abortion, the treatment of patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious states, as well as patients with advanced dementia. More recently, the concept has been employed to think about new questions related to human-brain organoids, artificial intelligence, uploaded minds, human-animal chimeras, and human embryos, to name a few. A common move has been to ask what these entities have in common with persons (in the normative sense), and then draw conclusions about what we do (or do not) owe them. This paper argues that at best the concept of "personhood" is unhelpful to much of bioethics today and at worst it is harmful and pernicious. I suggest that we (bioethicists) stop using the concept of personhood and instead ask normative questions more directly (e.g., how ought we to treat this being and why?) and use other philosophical concepts (e.g., interests, sentience, recognition respect) to help us answer them. It is time for bioethics to end talk about personhood.
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3
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Abayneh M, Rent S, Ubuane PO, Carter BS, Deribessa SJ, Kassa BB, Tekleab AM, Kukora SK. Perinatal palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa: recommendations for practice, future research, and guideline development. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1217209. [PMID: 37435165 PMCID: PMC10331424 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1217209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of global neonatal mortality (43%) and neonatal mortality rate (NMR): 27 deaths per 1,000 live births. The WHO recognizes palliative care (PC) as an integral, yet underutilized, component of perinatal care for pregnancies at risk of stillbirth or early neonatal death, and for neonates with severe prematurity, birth trauma or congenital anomalies. Despite bearing a disproportionate burden of neonatal mortality, many strategies to care for dying newborns and support their families employed in high-income countries (HICs) are not available in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs). Many institutions and professional societies in LMICs lack guidelines or recommendations to standardize care, and existing guidelines may have limited adherence due to lack of space, equipment, supplies, trained professionals, and high patient load. In this narrative review, we compare perinatal/neonatal PC in HICs and LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa to identify key areas for future, research-informed, interventions that might be tailored to the local sociocultural contexts and propose actionable recommendations for these resource-deprived environments that may support clinical care and inform future professional guideline development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlet Abayneh
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sharla Rent
- Duke Department of Pediatrics, Duke School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Peter Odion Ubuane
- Department of Pediatrics, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Brian S. Carter
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Solomie Jebessa Deribessa
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Betelehem B. Kassa
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Atnafu Mekonnen Tekleab
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, St Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Stephanie K. Kukora
- Division of Neonatology and Bioethics Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Medical Humanities and Bioethics, Universityof Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, United States
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4
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Melekoglu E, Yılmaz B, Çevik A, Gökyıldız Sürücü Ş, Avcıbay Vurgeç B, Gözüyeşil E, Sharma H, Boyan N, Ozogul F. The Impact of the Human Milk Microbiota in the Prevention of Disease and Infant Health. Breastfeed Med 2023. [PMID: 37140562 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: Human milk is recognized as an ideal food for newborns and infants owing to the presence of various nutritive factors, including healthy bacteria. Aim/Objective: This review aimed to understand the effects of human milk microbiota in both the prevention of disease and the health of infants. Methods: Data were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, clinical trial registries, Dergipark, and Türk Atıf Dizini up to February 2023 without language restrictions. Results: It is considered that the first human milk microbiota ingested by the newborn creates the initial microbiome of the gut system, which in turn influences the development and maturation of immunity. Bacteria present in human milk modulate the anti-inflammatory response by releasing certain cytokines, protecting the newborn against certain infections. Therefore, certain bacterial strains isolated from human milk could serve as potential probiotics for various therapeutic applications. Conclusions: In this review, the origin and significance of human milk bacteria have been highlighted along with certain factors influencing the composition of human milk microbiota. In addition, it also summarizes the health benefits of human milk as a protective agent against certain diseases and ailments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Melekoglu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Birsen Yılmaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ayseren Çevik
- Department of Midwifery, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | | | | | - Ebru Gözüyeşil
- Department of Midwifery, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Heena Sharma
- Food Technology Lab, Dairy Technology Division, ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Neslihan Boyan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
| | - Fatih Ozogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey
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5
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CRISPR/Cas9 system: a reliable and facile genome editing tool in modern biology. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:12133-12150. [PMID: 36030476 PMCID: PMC9420241 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Genome engineering has always been a versatile technique in biological research and medicine, with several applications. In the last several years, the discovery of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology has swept the scientific community and revolutionised the speed of modern biology, heralding a new era of disease detection and rapid biotechnology discoveries. It enables successful gene editing by producing targeted double-strand breaks in virtually any organism or cell type. So, this review presents a comprehensive knowledge about the mechanism and structure of Cas9-mediated RNA-guided DNA targeting and cleavage. In addition, genome editing via CRISPR-Cas9 technology in various animals which are being used as models in scientific research including Non-Human Primates Pigs, Dogs, Zebra, fish and Drosophila has been discussed in this review. This review also aims to understand the applications, serious concerns and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing.
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Piergentili R, Del Rio A, Signore F, Umani Ronchi F, Marinelli E, Zaami S. CRISPR-Cas and Its Wide-Ranging Applications: From Human Genome Editing to Environmental Implications, Technical Limitations, Hazards and Bioethical Issues. Cells 2021; 10:cells10050969. [PMID: 33919194 PMCID: PMC8143109 DOI: 10.3390/cells10050969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR-Cas system is a powerful tool for in vivo editing the genome of most organisms, including man. During the years this technique has been applied in several fields, such as agriculture for crop upgrade and breeding including the creation of allergy-free foods, for eradicating pests, for the improvement of animal breeds, in the industry of bio-fuels and it can even be used as a basis for a cell-based recording apparatus. Possible applications in human health include the making of new medicines through the creation of genetically modified organisms, the treatment of viral infections, the control of pathogens, applications in clinical diagnostics and the cure of human genetic diseases, either caused by somatic (e.g., cancer) or inherited (mendelian disorders) mutations. One of the most divisive, possible uses of this system is the modification of human embryos, for the purpose of preventing or curing a human being before birth. However, the technology in this field is evolving faster than regulations and several concerns are raised by its enormous yet controversial potential. In this scenario, appropriate laws need to be issued and ethical guidelines must be developed, in order to properly assess advantages as well as risks of this approach. In this review, we summarize the potential of these genome editing techniques and their applications in human embryo treatment. We will analyze CRISPR-Cas limitations and the possible genome damage caused in the treated embryo. Finally, we will discuss how all this impacts the law, ethics and common sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piergentili
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Italian National Research Council (CNR-IBPM), 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Del Rio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.U.R.); (E.M.); (S.Z.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Fabrizio Signore
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, USL Roma2, Sant’Eugenio Hospital, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Federica Umani Ronchi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.U.R.); (E.M.); (S.Z.)
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.U.R.); (E.M.); (S.Z.)
| | - Simona Zaami
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.U.R.); (E.M.); (S.Z.)
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Mohseni E, Abbasi M. Posthumous reproduction in Iranian law. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2021; 12:79-87. [PMID: 33644427 PMCID: PMC7893327 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Posthumous reproduction (PHR) is the process by which assisted reproductive technology is used to establish pregnancy and produce genetic offspring following the death of a parent. There are different ethical and legal approaches towards this method of reproduction around the world. This paper will study the legality of PHR and its legal consequences for the family status of a child born by this technology according to Iranian law. This research uses the descriptive-analytical method to study Iranian legislation, the opinion of jurists and jurisconsults, and case law in the area of PHR. The only statute regarding assisted reproductive technology in Iranian law - the Embryo Donation Act 2003 - and the associated regulation contain no explicit provision on PHR. The subject is therefore very controversial among Iranian jurists and jurisconsults. This issue has also been the subject of divergent court decisions. This study shows that the current legislation is insufficient to address various issues raised by PHR, and there is a need for the legislature to provide legislative clarity. Although advocates of this technique use the approval of some jurisconsults (fuqahâ) as justification for the legal recognition of PHR during the idda period in Iranian law, some concerns regarding the practice, especially the child's best interests, support prohibition or at least restriction to specific, limited cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Mohseni
- Department of Law, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Abbasi
- Medical Ethics and Law Research Centre, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Tehran, Iran
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8
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Zhang D, Hussain A, Manghwar H, Xie K, Xie S, Zhao S, Larkin RM, Qing P, Jin S, Ding F. Genome editing with the CRISPR-Cas system: an art, ethics and global regulatory perspective. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:1651-1669. [PMID: 32271968 PMCID: PMC7336378 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the last three decades, the development of new genome editing techniques, such as ODM, TALENs, ZFNs and the CRISPR-Cas system, has led to significant progress in the field of plant and animal breeding. The CRISPR-Cas system is the most versatile genome editing tool discovered in the history of molecular biology because it can be used to alter diverse genomes (e.g. genomes from both plants and animals) including human genomes with unprecedented ease, accuracy and high efficiency. The recent development and scope of CRISPR-Cas system have raised new regulatory challenges around the world due to moral, ethical, safety and technical concerns associated with its applications in pre-clinical and clinical research, biomedicine and agriculture. Here, we review the art, applications and potential risks of CRISPR-Cas system in genome editing. We also highlight the patent and ethical issues of this technology along with regulatory frameworks established by various nations to regulate CRISPR-Cas-modified organisms/products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debin Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
- College of Public AdministrationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Amjad Hussain
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hakim Manghwar
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Kabin Xie
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and ReproductionMinistry of EducationWuhanChina
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and ReproductionMinistry of EducationWuhanChina
| | - Robert M. Larkin
- Key Laboratory of Horticultural Plant BiologyMinistry of EducationCollege of Horticulture and Forestry SciencesHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Ping Qing
- College of Public AdministrationHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Shuangxia Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic ImprovementHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fang Ding
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Plant PathologyCollege of Plant Sciences and TechnologyHuazhong Agricultural UniversityWuhanChina
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9
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Jansen CHJR, Kastelein AW, Kleinrouweler CE, Van Leeuwen E, De Jong KH, Pajkrt E, Van Noorden CJF. Development of placental abnormalities in location and anatomy. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2020; 99:983-993. [PMID: 32108320 PMCID: PMC7496588 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Low‐lying placentas, placenta previa and abnormally invasive placentas are the most frequently occurring placental abnormalities in location and anatomy. These conditions can have serious consequences for mother and fetus mainly due to excessive blood loss before, during or after delivery. The incidence of such abnormalities is increasing, but treatment options and preventive strategies are limited. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the etiology of placental abnormalities in location and anatomy. Placental formation already starts at implantation and therefore disorders during implantation may cause these abnormalities. Understanding of the normal placental structure and development is essential to comprehend the etiology of placental abnormalities in location and anatomy, to diagnose the affected women and to guide future research for treatment and preventive strategies. We reviewed the literature on the structure and development of the normal placenta and the placental development resulting in low‐lying placentas, placenta previa and abnormally invasive placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte H J R Jansen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arnoud W Kastelein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Emily Kleinrouweler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth Van Leeuwen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kees H De Jong
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Pajkrt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis J F Van Noorden
- Department of Medical Biology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Genetic Toxicology and Tumor Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Simopoulou M, Sfakianoudis K, Giannelou P, Rapani A, Maziotis E, Tsioulou P, Grigoriadis S, Simopoulos E, Mantas D, Lambropoulou M, Koutsilieris M, Pantos K, Harper JC. Discarding IVF embryos: reporting on global practices. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:2447-2457. [PMID: 31786731 PMCID: PMC6911130 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01592-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a global scale report on a representative sample of the clinical embryology community depicting the practice of discarding supernumerary IVF embryos. METHODS A web-based questionnaire titled "Anonymous questionnaire on embryo disposal practices" was designed in order to ensure anonymous participation of practicing clinical embryologists around the world. RESULTS During a data collection period of 8 months, 703 filled-in questionnaires from 65 countries were acquired. According to the data acquired, the majority of practitioners, dispose of embryos by placing them directly in a trash can strictly dedicated for embryo disposal for both fresh and frozen cycles (39% and 36.7% respectively). Moreover, 66.4% of practitioners discard the embryos separately-case by case-at different time points during the day. Over half of embryologists (54%) wait until day 6 to discard the surplus embryos, while 65.5% do not implement a specially allocated incubator space as a designated waiting area prior to disposal. The majority of 63.1% reported that this is a witnessed procedure. The vast majority of embryologists (93%) do not employ different protocols for different groups of patients. Nonetheless, 17.8% reported the request to perform a ceremony for these embryos. Assessing the embryologists' perspective, 59.5% of participants stated that the embryology practice would benefit from a universally accepted and practiced protocol. CONCLUSION(S) This study uniquely provides insight into global embryo disposal practices and trends. Results highlight the divergence between reported practices, while indicating the significance on standardization of practice, with embryologists acknowledging the need for a universally accepted protocol implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Simopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - K. Sfakianoudis
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - P. Giannelou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - A. Rapani
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - E. Maziotis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str, 11528 Athens, Greece
- Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - P. Tsioulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - S. Grigoriadis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Assisted Conception Unit, 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Vasilissis Sofias str, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - E. Simopoulos
- Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - D. Mantas
- Conceive - The Gynecology Center, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - M. Lambropoulou
- Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Thrace Greece
| | - M. Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Mikras Asias, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - K. Pantos
- Centre for Human Reproduction, Genesis Athens Clinic, Papanikoli, 15232 Athens, Greece
| | - J. C. Harper
- Reproductive Science Group, Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT UK
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Mintz RL, Loike JD, Fischbach RL. Will CRISPR Germline Engineering Close the Door to an Open Future? SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2019; 25:1409-1423. [PMID: 30357560 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-018-0069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The bioethical principle of autonomy is problematic regarding the future of the embryo who lacks the ability to self-advocate but will develop this defining human capacity in time. Recent experiments explore the use of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 for germline engineering in the embryo, which alters future generations. The embryo's inability to express an autonomous decision is an obvious bioethical challenge of germline engineering. The philosopher Joel Feinberg acknowledged that autonomy is developing in children. He advocated that to reserve this future autonomy, parents should be guided to make ethical decisions that provide children with open futures. Here, Feinberg's 1980 open future theory is extended to the human embryo in the context of CRISPR germline engineering. Although the embryo does not possess the autonomous decision-making capacity at the time of germline engineering, the parental decision to permanently change the unique genetic fabric of the embryo and subsequent generations disregards future autonomy. Therefore, germline engineering in many instances is objectionable considering Feinberg's open future theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Mintz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, Columbia University, 500 West 120th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - John D Loike
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168 Street, Room 1111, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Biology, Lander College of Arts and Sciences, Touro College, 1602 Avenue J, Brooklyn, NY, 11230-3712, USA
| | - Ruth L Fischbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, 630 West 168 Street, Box 161, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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12
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Brokowski C, Adli M. CRISPR Ethics: Moral Considerations for Applications of a Powerful Tool. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:88-101. [PMID: 29885329 PMCID: PMC6286228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2018.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
With the emergence of CRISPR technology, targeted editing of a wide variety of genomes is no longer an abstract hypothetical, but occurs regularly. As application areas of CRISPR are exceeding beyond research and biomedical therapies, new and existing ethical concerns abound throughout the global community about the appropriate scope of the systems' use. Here we review fundamental ethical issues including the following: 1) the extent to which CRISPR use should be permitted; 2) access to CRISPR applications; 3) whether a regulatory framework(s) for clinical research involving human subjects might accommodate all types of human genome editing, including editing of the germline; and 4) whether international regulations governing inappropriate CRISPR utilization should be crafted and publicized. We conclude that moral decision making should evolve as the science of genomic engineering advances and hold that it would be reasonable for national and supranational legislatures to consider evidence-based regulation of certain CRISPR applications for the betterment of human health and progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Brokowski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519-1362, USA
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1340 Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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