The Controversial Path of Human Genetic Editing

Born in China. Genetically editing the first humans. Being imprisoned and coming back to the forefront. This is not the plot of the next Ridley Scott or George Lucas movie. It’s the complex and controversial life of He Jiankui.

“He” (贺) means “to congratulate,” while “Jiankui” (建奎) translates to “build” and “brilliant,” which can be interpreted as “the one who builds something excellent.” Unknowingly, his parents gave him a name that would reflect his ambition and desire to achieve something exceptional in science, though his actions later generated great controversy and condemnation.

He was born in 1984 in Xinhua County, a region in the prefecture-level city of Loudi, Hunan Province, China. From a young age, he showed a remarkable interest in science, excelling in his studies.

With a scholarship, He Jiankui studied at the University of Science and Technology of China, one of the country’s most prestigious institutions. His thirst for knowledge led him to the United States, where he earned a Ph.D. from Rice University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford. These years in the United States were crucial, as it was there that he delved deeper into the world of biotechnology and began to dream of using science to change lives.

Returning to China and the CRISPR Project

In 2017, He returned to China with a clear ambition: to apply CRISPR/Cas9 in humans. CRISPR/Cas9 is a genetic editing tool that allows for the “cutting and pasting” of DNA fragments with unprecedented precision. Imagine DNA as a book of instructions for life, and CRISPR as scissors and glue that allow you to edit those instructions to correct errors or add new instructions.

From his lab at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, He Jiankui began working on a project that would change his life and the world’s perception of genetic editing. In November 2018, he announced the “creation” of the first genetically modified babies: the twin girls Lulu and Nana. He edited the CCR5 gene in the embryos to make them resistant to HIV. This is not a science fiction story, dear reader. Lulu and Nana were the first humans artificially edited before birth.

The Experiment’s Repercussions

The scientific community quickly condemned this experiment. It was argued that He had not followed proper ethical procedures and that his work lacked solid medical justification. Genetic editing in human embryos is a field full of uncertainties and potential long-term adverse effects. However, He Jiankui pressed on, claiming his goal was noble: to prevent the transmission of HIV.

In 2019, he was sentenced to three years in prison for practicing medicine illegally and violating ethical norms. During his trial, it was revealed that his work had not received proper approval and that the participants in his study had not given real informed consent. Despite the conviction, his name continues to be mentioned in any conversation about gene therapy, demonstrating the lasting impact of his work.

The Potential of CRISPR and the Ethical Risk

CRISPR remains a tool with immense potential. From correcting genetic mutations that cause diseases like Duchenne muscular dystrophy to creating more resilient crops, the applications are vast. Research institutes worldwide, such as the Broad Institute and the Beijing Institute of Genomics, are leading significant advances in this field.

The pursuit of creating “superhumans” raises unsettling questions about the future of genetic editing. Are we heading toward an era where desired traits can be selected at will? What does this mean for equality and social justice? In a hundred years, perhaps less, we could face a society where genetic inequality exacerbates existing social divisions.

The ethical implications are profound. The possibility of selecting desired traits in children raises issues of eugenics and genetic discrimination. The scientific community insists on the need for strict regulations and robust ethical oversight to ensure scientific advances are used safely and equitably.

He Jiankui: The Return

Released in 2022, He Jiankui has established a new lab in Beijing, focusing on Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Although his current work does not involve embryo editing, his return to the field of biotechnology remains controversial and closely watched by the scientific community. His story is a reminder of the incredible powers and dangers of biotechnology, and the need for strong ethics to guide our scientific progress.

Currently, He Jiankui runs a lab in Beijing, focused on developing a new DNA synthesis machine and genome editing methods to treat diseases. His work primarily focuses on the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer using DNA sequencing technology.

Dear reader, I now ask you: Do you believe genetic editing is an evolution or a human regression? Do you think there is a real possibility that a new form of discrimination could emerge, deeper than race or religion? A discrimination between humans and genetically enhanced and edited humans. These are frightening topics, but ones we must debate and regulate.

Lic. Federico A. Lix Klett

Founder of FALK Impellers and FALK Advertising Matters. Consultant, communicator, trainer, and promoter of innovation and transformation in organizations.

https://www.lagaceta.com.ar/nota/1043035/opinion/controvertido-camino-edicion-genetica-humana.html

Por Federico Lix Klett

Founder FALK Impeller & F*ALK Advertising Matters y

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