W H 0 WA N T S T 0 P し AY G 0 0 ? LITTLE Layla was a ploneer, the first person saved by gene editing; and without the favorable enuronment created by British scientists and regulators over the past decade, Qasim s exper- lmental treatment, which gives special proper- ties tO cells, would never have been allowed. With recent advances in gene editing and gov- ernmental approvals, the U. K. is set tO become the unlikely pioneer in one Of the most contro- versial, yet astonishing spheres ofhuman knowl- edge: the manipulation Of our genetic code. WhiIe research labs around the world are work- ing on genetic cures t0 childhood and adult dis- eases, most have been wary Of interfering with the DNA of a human embryo, fearful of unin- tended consequences for future generations. Yet the U. K. achieved a double first in 2016 : lt became the first country t0 legally permit replacing part 0fan embryo with a third person s genes, and the first tO allow genetic modification in humans from the embryo stage ・ Opponents 0f the techniques, including the し S. National lnstitutes of HeaIth (NIH) as well as bioethicists and religious leaders, believe they herald a dystopian future 0f "designer babies ”—a world where parents will opt t0 edit their unborn child's genes tO make it stronger, taller and healthier. Molecular biologist and eth- icist David King, the founder of British watch- dog group Human Genetics Alert, believes that embryo manipulation opens up for the first time in human history, the possibility 0f consciously designing human beings, in a myriad 0f different ways. ” A recent report from the Nuffeld Coun- cil on Bioethics in London found that gene edit- ing—particularly in embryos— demanded further scrutiny. Ethical opposition has ansen especially where, it said, the for unforeseen conse- and to fight cancer. quences is considered tO be great or editing is The promise 0f gene editing goes beyond regarded as irreversible. curing adult disease—it could even be used tO AII humans have aunique genome sequence, modify human embryos and delete egregious the more than 3 billion molecule pairs known as genetic defects before birth. That would pre- DNA that define wh0 we are—from our physi- vent the transmisslon Of debilitating illnesses cal appearance tO biological characteristics and from parent t0 child, and could signal the end 0f even our personality. Mutations or mistakes in devastating inherited disabilities. this genetic COde can result in disease, such as The British government s recent endorse- diabetes or leukemia. Gene editing means we ment Ofgene editing research thrust the country can now find and correct genetic errors in a lab. tO the forefront Of the next revolution in health Once honed, the t001S could be used to fix mal- and science—whether the rest Of the world is adies like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, ready for it or not. 0 十 GENE-IUS: D 「 . Waseem Qasim's experimental treatment uses custom-designed molecular scissors to cut, edit and delete DNA.It has had staggering results. NEWSWEEK 30 01 / 13 / 2017