Normally, human reproduction is done through the combination of the genetic information from two parents. Since we are a heterogametic species, we require two, morphologically different gametes. While both of these “sex cells” contain only half of the genetic information needed, the divide of responsibility are not equal. The fathers spermatozoa contains only the bare minimum: a head that contains the genetic information, a connecting piece, and a tail for mobility. The mothers ovum contains nearly all the cellular organelles or “machinery” that is needed to form a functioning zygote. One of these organelles is call the mitochondria and is often call the “powerhouse” of the cell. This organelle is unique in that it has its own DNA. What this ends up meaning is that the line of heredity for mitochondria passes exclusively from mother to child. If the mother has a metabolic disease associated with a mutation in her mitochondria, she would pass this condition to her child. Because of this fact a new technique has been developed to help avoid this issue. This technique transplants the healthy mitochondria from a female donor into the mothers ovum. Later the cell is fertilized and a three-parent baby is formed. Recently, this procedure has been put into practice and succeeded, “As far as we can tell, the baby is normal and free of disease,” says Andrew R. La Barbera, chief scientific officer of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. While this is an incredible advancement that will allow the formation of many family that would not be able to otherwise, it does raise ethical concerns. While today it is just a set of functioning mitochondria, many fear it may be the beginning of “designer babies” where parents will pick and choose which traits they want in there child.
Full Article
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/three-parent-baby-top-science-stories-2016?mode=topic&context=69
Picture
http://biology.about.com/od/cellanatomy/ss/mitochondria.htm
Posted by Logan Lassin (2)
Talk of a three-person baby definitely catches the attention of readers. While this medical advance is extremely beneficial, it is true that many people are concerned with the ethical side of things. In my genetics class last semester, we had an ethical debate about a similar process and whether humans had the right to play God and design their own babies. It is definitely a difficult topic to discuss as their are pros and cons to each side. I think it is incredible that science has even given us the opportunity to do something as complicated as transplanting a microscopic mitochondria from one person to another. I am curious to know if there are any possible side effects of the transplant and if the child might display them later on in his/her lifetime.
ReplyDeletePosted by Jordan Milone (group c)
This technology is really impressive. The ethical concerns it brings up are defiantly something to consider while thinking about this. However, at this point, I personally see this as more of a transplant (like a kidney or heart). I believe the main concern is that this can potentially give a child who, would have functioned fine, an advantage.
DeleteSince this technic had just been introduced, and the first child was only recently born, it will be interesting to see his development. Currently, the baby boy is healthy as well as laking any mitochondrial defects.
Posted by Logan Lassin (B)
It’s amazing to see how far science has come and to see how it has benefited us. However, I do believe it is important to consider the ethics with this increase in technology. In my medical ethics class we talked about these “designer babys” and the pros and cons of genetically altering that child’s DNA. I think it’s hard to give a yes or no answer to this debate as each case is so different. If you screened the future child’s DNA and were able to see that that child was going to have Down’s Syndrome what is the correct call to make? If you and your partner couldn’t financially handle having a child who needs a lot of care then is it okay to terminate that pregnancy? It’s a very interesting topic to discuss and I really enjoyed reading your article!
ReplyDeletePosted by Kate Masterson
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DeleteThe ethical dilemma is something one has to keep in mind while discussing this advance. The question I would be most interested in posing is, where is the line? At what point are we done potentially saving lives and just fulfilling our own desires as well as taking away any choice the child might have later in life? While the current technology is not there yet, we are on the edge of "designer babys” in reality, especially since the development of CRIPR.
DeletePosted by Logan Lassin (b)
This research is incredible and revolutionary. However, as Andrew R. La Barbera states, this does bring an ethical concern in moving one step closer to "designer babies". From a personal perspective, a scientific discovery as great as this one should not be undermined by such a fact of it potentially being used for "designer babies" but rather the fact to improve the health of newborns. This discovery is very different than other "designer baby" aspects such as improving height, eye color, or even hair color. The life-saving changes of importing healthy mitochondria into a newborn could save many lives from fatal diseases. This still tosses up the ethical concern of "designer babies" since one is still manually enhancing the baby's life. I just now wonder who's choice should it really be when deciding if you wanted to genetically modify your own child even if it is against medical ethics. Are the parents the only one to decide or are the doctors able to give input? These are questions that need to be addressed in the health field!
ReplyDeletePosted by Andrew Do (group A)
I understand and agree with your point, the amount "design" that could be produced with just transplanted mitochondria is minimal. While this point was brought up in the article, I believe it was not fully addressed. Since this procedure is bypassing the normal methods of heredity, the "designer babies" topic become connected. Since mitochondria have their own DNA, this type of procedure can be considered genetic enhancement/ manipulation. I believe that is were this ethical concerns really lies.
DeletePosted by Logan Lassin (b)
I think that this procedure being used to eliminate metabolic diseases is definitely a step in the right direction. Your last point about some people thinking that this will lead to "designer babies" is certainly becoming more relevant. Although this may seem like a form of eugenics, it could leave the human race benefitting from it without the horrible implications of other types of immoral eugenics scenarios. Genetic modification in humans seems like it would be a win-win when regulated and used solely for the purpose of eliminating unstoppable debilitating diseases such as Huntington's disease, Cystic Fibrosis, etc. In terms of having parents picking and choosing their child's potential phenotypic attributes, that's where the morality of the topic becomes blurry.
ReplyDeletePosted by Ross Cavalieri