Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University say they have perfected a new gene therapy that could block the transmission of many inherited diseases from mother to child. <\/p>\n
But the procedure could raise new ethical questions over genetically engineering offspring. <\/p>\n
Already tested in monkeys, the technique replaces defective genetic material in a mother's egg cells before it is fertilized and implanted in the womb. In the new study, published in the journal Nature, researchers used 106 human egg cells obtained from volunteers. <\/p>\n
If proven safe, the technique could be used to eliminate genetic dispositions toward diabetes, deafness and eye disorders, along with dementia, heart disease and neuropathy. <\/p>\n
It would also give scientists the power to, for the first time, permanently alter the genetic material of future generations. <\/p>\n
OHSU is already discussing the potential for human clinical trials with federal regulators, according to Shoukrat Mitalipov, the lead researcher. <\/p>\n
Stay tuned for a fuller account later today. <\/p>\n
-- Nick Budnick: <\/p>\n
Twitter @nickbudnick <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Here is the original post: <\/p>\n
Gene therapy procedure announced in Oregon could curb hereditary diseases, raise ethical questions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University say they have perfected a new gene therapy that could block the transmission of many inherited diseases from mother to child. Continue reading