The Future of DNA

At what point does gene editing become unethical?

Genes are sections of the long DNA molecules (which contain the basic biological instructions for life) coiled up inside each cell of every living thing. Genes can influence physical characteristics and are inherited from both parents. However, sometimes the instructions that genes carry contain errors which can lead to several problems. These faulty genes may cause serious illnesses, which are hard to treat. In order to prevent this from occurring, scientists have come up with a new technology: gene editing. This is directly replacing the faulty segment of the DNA sequence with a new, healthy one. However, with this comes several ethical implications. In this essay, we will delve deeper into how gene editing works, in order to understand the ethical advantages and disadvantages that come with it.

So how does gene editing work? There are several different techniques one can use to modify an organism’s DNA. It can include making precise changes to the genetic material itself, by adding, removing, or altering specific DNA sequences. One of the most popular ways to do this is to use a special scientific component known as CRISPR, where scientists can pinpoint the faulty segment of the gene. Then, a special enzyme/protein called Cas9 can snip through this faulty segment, and allow it to be replaced by another stretch of DNA (that is healthy) which is introduced at the same time. To sum it up, the method acts like a find-and-replace. Therefore, the gene’s overall behaviour is changed, to help the patient recover from the medical problems they were experiencing. Other gene-editing techniques include ‘finger nucleases’ (ZFNs) and ‘transcription activator-like effector nucleases’ (TALENs), which also work by creating cuts in the DNA, but use different proteins to target the specific sequences. So far, it is clear to see that gene editing has a vast potential; it can be used to make personalised medicines, advances in agriculture and directly prevent genetic disorders in offspring. In addition to this, a study in 2015 showed that doctors had successfully used genome editing to cure a baby girl’s leukaemia. There are widespread possibilities that could lead to radical improvements in our society. On the other hand, as technology advances, we are confronted with possibilities that may raise controversies, leading to ethical dilemmas throughout the globe. Do the disadvantages really have the power to weigh out the advantages?

To start with, gene editing encompasses human germline editing. This is the process of altering the DNA of the reproductive cells or the embryo to introduce heritable genetic changes which are then passed to future generations. The concerns with this are often rooted with issues of fairness, equality and long-term societal impacts. One of these is the potential risk of the creation of designer babies. At the early stage of an embryo, the embryo is genetically modified to enhance specific traits, such as physical appearance, intelligence, athletic performance and health and longevity. Using the technologies stated above (such as CRISPR-Cas9) it is possible to alter future generations to make the ‘perfect humans.’ However, this raises dilemmas such as the fact that germline editing becomes a privilege for the wealthy, creating a genetic divide between those who are wealthy and those who are not. These could further exacerbate existing social inequalities. It is clear to many that the possibility of selecting specific traits for people would mean some were favoured over others. This could potentially even lead to global disparities, particularly between developed and developing countries. How could this be beneficial for our society? Furthermore, another ethical question is raised. How is it right for scientists to alter the genes of embryos without their consent (their future consent, at least)? Among many other questions raised, the concluding challenge of making such decisions for future generations makes it hard for scientists to move forward in this field.

This is why it is important to draw a line between beneficial and harmful applications. Whilst gene editing provides hope for advancements in the medical field, such as the treatment of genetic disorders, advancements in cancer therapy, combating infectious diseases, making new medicines, moving forward with new vaccines and immunotherapy and improving fertility to name a few, there are also several ethical complications that come with this: designer babies, potential global disparities, loss of genetic diversity, psychological impacts, discrimination, moral and religious objections, and possible unintended consequences. To conclude, it is therefore clear to see that gene editing can be considered ethical when regulated properly and when clear boundaries have been put in place. For the good of humanity, gene editing should be used to help people who are suffering. However, there is always the risk of people who can use this technology to their own advantage to land themselves higher in society’s hierarchy.

As we look to the future of gene editing, many questions arise. Will regulation be enough to prevent the possible unethical uses? If we do not act ethically, what will the long-term societal consequences be? As the technology of gene editing continues to grow, it is crucial that we maintain a strong commitment to the ethical boundaries which prioritize human dignity and the common good.

Gauri Langhae is a Year 10 student preparing for her GCSEs. She loves to take any opportunity to write, whether in STEM or creative fields, driven by a passion for learning and exploration through words.