GENETICALLY MODIFIED HUMANS

What exactly is human genetic engineering (HGE or HGM)According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals(ARHP), HGM is a process by which scientists and medical professionals alter the genetic makeup, or DNA, in a living human cell. Ideally, HGM would be used to fix defective genes that cause diseases and other genetic complications.

Genetic engineering provides the ability to add or delete specific genes within a living cell nucleus. Gene modifications can have an impact exclusively on a single person (somatic manipulation), or on a person's children and all subsequent descendants (germ line manipulation).

There are 3 approaches on modifying the genes of humans1. Somatic cell manipulation2. Germ line manipulation3. Cloning4. Splicing

Somatic manipulationSomatic cells are all the cells of the body that do not pass DNA on to the next generation.

Somatic cellmanipulation is currently practiced in some medical researchcenters under the name "gene therapy."

For example, researchersare experimenting with ways to introduce genes into the blood cells of patients with hemophilia (a blood disorder), and into cells of the immune system in patients with Severe Combined Immune Deficiency (SCID), a rare inherited disorder of the immune system. The idea is to "correct" the genetic component of the disease instead of, or in addition to, treating the disease with drugs. Hundreds of trials have been carried out, but in most cases the patients have not been cured.

Germ line ManipulationGerm line manipulation: Germ cells (sperm and eggs) do pass DNAfrom one generation to the next. Germ line manipulation refers tochanges in the germ cells changes which will be inherited bysuccessive generations. Designing future generations through germ line manipulation is still in the realm of science fiction,but just barely: some influential scientists are arguing that itshould be attempted.

Obviously, germline HGM tends to be more controversial because the introduction of the gene alters future reproduction, whereas somatic HGM only affects the individual on which it is performed.

Germ line manipulation is sometimes suggested as a way to prevent transmission of genetic diseases, the same result can be achieved by preimplanation screening and other means. Germ line engineering is necessary, however, to go beyond disease prevention and modify the genetic endowment of children otherwise expected to be healthy.

Cloning and its typesRecombinant DNA technology or DNA cloning-- transfer of a DNA fragment from one organism to a self-replicating genetic element in order for the DNA to replicate itself in a foreign host cellReproductive cloning-- used to generate an organism that has the same nuclear DNA as another currently or previously existing organism

Therapeutic cloning---also known as embryo cloning involves the production of human embryos for use in research.

SplicingA method where genes from one organism are spliced into the DNA of another organism. This is the most common method of genetic engineering.

Treatments and TherapiesSomatic treatmentsEx. Diabetes-Area specific treatment-pancreas (production)-Blood therapy- whole body (efficiency)

Disease PreventionGerm line isolationEx. DNA mapping-Genome or chromosome anomalies-Birth defects can be detected and corrected before conception-Inherited Immunities

Social ImplicationsExtended longevity due to medical advancements.Decrease in healthcare expensesCrime investigation and Forensic technology

The controversyOn February 13, 2013, experts debated whether the US should ban specifically prenatal engineering.The Livescience.com reportedabout this debate over HGM as the concern turned from empowering parents to give their children the best start possible to creating designer babies who may encounter genetic problems as a result of the genetic engineering of humans.

The Association of Reproductive Health Professionals noted that though many assume that germ line engineering is necessary to allow parents to avoid passing on deficient DNA, other options do exist, including adoption, gamete and embryo donation, and even pre-implantation diagnosis and selection. The latter allows couples to have a child that is genetically related to both parents yet does not carry the genetic disease of concern.

Those in support of human genetic engineering often believe that parents should have the power to ensure that their children have a healthy life. On this side of the debate, the focus has often been on the protection of the unborn child. And many respond to the argument that HGM is dangerous and uncertain by pointing out that reproduction itself is uncertain and often leads to congenital diseases and death.

Both technologically and morally, human genetic engineering has a number of problems that it must overcome before it makes its way into mainstream acceptance and medical practice. With more education and research will come better understanding and better decisions.

Scientific, religious, environmental and political leaders and organizations generally approved of somatic gene therapy, but strongly opposed germ line manipulation

"We've all known that the day would come when we'd have to decide whether or not to allow the reconfiguration of human beings through genetic technology," -Dr. David King, Editor of GenEthics News in London.

REMEMBERSomatic Manipulation/Modificationnon-inheritableNot sperm and egg cellsUsed for gene therapy (healthy genes added to defective cellsNon-pathogenic virus (add desired genes which spread throughout the body)

REMEMBERGerm line Manipulation/ModificationManipulation of sperm, egg or embryo cellsInheritable(all future generations)Can help improve physical and mental capacities of people

REMEMBERCloningRecombinant DNA or DNA CloningTherapeutic CloningReproductive Cloning

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