CRISPR gene editing in human embryos wreaks chromosomal mayhem

CRISPR gene editing in human embryos wreaks chromosomal mayhem

CRISPR wreaks mayhem in human embryos

Three experiments that use the gene-editing tool CRISPR–Cas9 to modify human embryos have revealed how the process can make large, unwanted changes to the genome at or near the target site. These safety concerns are likely to inform the debate over whether scientists should edit human embryos to prevent genetic diseases — a process that is controversial because it would create a permanent change to the genome that can be passed down for generations. “If human embryo editing for reproductive purposes or germline editing were space flight, the new data are the equivalent of having the rocket explode at the launch pad before take-off,” says Fyodor Urnov, who studies genome editing.

Nature | 5 min readReference: bioRxiv preprint 1, bioRxiv preprint 2 & bioRxiv preprint 3