Modified embryos are now in Japan

Genetic modification of human embryos allowed in Japan

Oleg Lischuk, N+1

Japanese authorities have approved the genetic modification of fertilized human eggs for scientific purposes. The corresponding decision was made by the government Council on bioethics, writes The Japan Times (Japan panel greenlights gene editing of human eggs for basic study).

Scientists have received the right to make changes to the genome of embryos in order to study the role of individual genes in their early development, develop new methods of treating congenital diseases and improve reproductive technologies. At the same time, in each case it will be necessary to confirm that such studies cannot be carried out in any other way.

The use of genome editing of human embryos in clinical settings is still prohibited, since it can have unpredictable consequences for the child and his future offspring. The council also called ethically problematic interventions in DNA for non-medical purposes, for example, to change eye color or build muscle mass.

For the first time, the genetic modification of human embryos for scientific purposes was reported in 2015 by Chinese scientists. In particular, they tried to make changes in the structure of hemoglobin and remove HIV genetic material from human DNA, but they did not achieve significant success. In February 2016, genome editing of human embryos was allowed in the UK.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru 16.05.2016