Safety and Ethical Considerations of CRISPR/Cas9-based Human Germline Genome Editing

Abstract

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 adapted from natural immune defense systems of bacteria and archaea can edit genes in numerous organisms including humans. This has revolutionized genetic engineering and can help better understand genetic diseases as well as potentially correct causative mutations. Current CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing is focused on either somatic cells or germline cells. In contrast to somatic cell genome editing, germline genome editing raises significant ethical issues as the genomic modifications in those reproductive cells by CRISPR/Cas9 can potentially be passed on to future generations. In this article, we focus on discussion of safety and ethical issues of CRISPR/Cas9-based germline genome editing in humans from several aspects including off-targets, Immunogenicity, autonomy, religion and eugenics.