The future of human genome editing
A recent analysis published in Nature explores the emerging potential of polygenic genome editing—the process of modifying multiple genetic variants at once. This method could offer a promising way to reduce the risk of common diseases, presenting both opportunities and challenges that require careful consideration, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports, citing Nature.
The technology of genome editing, projected to become viable within the next three decades, could reshape the landscape of genomic medicine by targeting genetic variants associated with common diseases and traits. The study suggests that heritable polygenic editing (HPE) could significantly reduce the risk of major diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, and schizophrenia.
For instance, editing 40 specific genetic variants could lower an individual’s lifetime risk for these conditions to less than 0.2%. Additionally, polygenic editing holds promise for improving traits like cholesterol levels and blood pressure, potentially averting widespread health issues.
The analysis underscores the complexity of such interventions, noting that while the prospect of reducing disease prevalence is promising, the long-term effects and ethical implications remain uncertain. Despite the rapid advancements in gene-editing technologies, there is a pressing need for global dialogue. International guidelines and policies will be crucial to ensure that its application is both ethical and beneficial to society.
Unequal access could lead to new forms of social division, creating a biologically advantaged elite. Historical eugenics programs often sought to "improve" the human race through coercive and unethical measures, such as forced sterilization. The loss of genetic diversity is another significant concern. While HPE could reduce disease prevalence by editing out risk-related variants, it might inadvertently narrow the genetic pool. This reduction could diminish the population’s ability to adapt to future environmental changes or disease outbreaks.
Ethical dilemmas also related to pleiotropy—the phenomenon where one gene influences multiple traits—further complicate the discussion, raising questions about safety, fairness, and societal impacts. The ability to enhance non-disease traits, such as intelligence or physical ability, poses another dilemma. Such uses of HPE could challenge societal values and norms, potentially creating unrealistic standards for health, beauty, or intelligence.
Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported on major breakthroughs in science and technology over the past year.
