Reference no: EM132933461

Recombinant DNA Technology Ethical issues and genetic technology

In the 1970s, scientists realized that there might be unforeseen dangers and ethical issues with the use of recombinant DNA technology. A self-imposed moratorium on related research was implemented to develop safety protocols. As the Human Genome Project, designed to sequence and analyze the DNA of the human genome, came into existence in 1990, it was accompanied by the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) program. ELSI was charged with identifying and addressing issues arising from genomic research. This program focused mainly on privacy issues, the ethical use of genetic technology in medicine, and the design and conduct of genetic research, including gene therapy. The program led to the passage of federal legislation regulating the use of genetic information and the institution of guidelines limiting the scope of gene therapy. These guidelines prohibit germ-line therapy, which impacts future generations, and also prohibit gene therapy designed to enhance physical or mental aptitudes. The recent development of CRISPR-Cas as a new genetic technology may allow for the removal of mutant alleles that cause devastating neurological disorders such as Huntington disease and prevent its transmission to future generations. Similar technology could be used to selectively eradicate the species of mosquito that transmits malaria, a painful and life-shortening disease that affects millions worldwide. With the development of these revolutionary methods, there are calls to redefine issues and to institute a new set of ethical guidelines for using these methods to eliminate genetic disorders and to revolutionize agriculture. Genetics (BIO208) Case Studies 2

1. What undesirable or unforeseen consequences might occur in ecosystems if a species is eradicated using these new technologies?

2. Do we have the ethical right to alter the genomes of future generations of humans even if intervention eliminates lethal alleles?

3. Should these new technologies be regulated internationally to prevent their use by bioterrorists? How could violations be detected, and how could such regulations be enforced?

Further reading: Rodriguez, E. (2016). Ethical issues in using Crispr/Cas9 system. J. Clin. Res. Bioethics 7:266 (doi:10.4172/ 2155-9627.1000266)