Genetically modified sperm

Process

In genetic modification, genes are inserted into living cells in order to change how proteins are created. A viral vector is often used to deliver the gene of interest to the chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Every daughter cell will reflect the genetic modification.

Applications

GM sperm is not frequently used in humans but has been extensively tested and studied in animals. This type of modification of the sperm, eggs, or early embryos is known as an Inheritable Genetic Modification. Because the genetic changes are passed onto future generations, Inheritable Genetic Modification is far more consequential than somatic cell modifications.

Regulations

Main article: Regulation of genetic engineering

Genetic modification of sperm cells, as a type of germline gene transfer, is subject to federal regulation in the United States under the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health, as well as the Food and Drug Administration. Regulation in the United States currently prohibits the application or research use of such technologies in humans, but does allow for research and commercial use, prior to approval, in animals.

Controversy

Genetic modification in humans is a contested issue due to the variety of social and ethical issues it raises. One such controversy is the ability to modify the genes of future offspring to decrease the likelihood for certain diseases or modify the expression of chosen traits. In a recent case, an American teenager successfully sued a sperm bank, because she had been born with fragile X syndrome. Some also cite the promotion of eugenics through certain applications of genetic modification, justifying the moratorium on research and funding in human trials in many countries.

References

References

1. "Animals From Genetically Modified Sperm".
2. [http://www.isb.vt.edu/articles/apr0401.htm Genetically modified sperm in fish]
3. (2006). "Genetically modified pigs produced with a nonviral episomal vector". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
4. [http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/scientists-five-years-away-from-creating-human-sperm-and-eggs-in-a-laboratory/story-e6frg8gf-1225792318475 Scientists 'five years away' from creating human sperm and eggs in a laboratory]
5. (2002-10-22). "Human genes placed in pigs". The Cincinnati Post.
6. "The Basic Science".
7. "Inheritable Genetic Modification".
8. "Germline Gene Transfer". National Institutes of Health.
9. "Regulations of Genetically Engineered Animals". Food and Drug Administration.
10. (2006). "The Ethics of Inheritable Genetic Modification - A Dividing Line?". Cambridge University Press.
11. (2009-04-08). "Sperm bank sued under product liability law". [[New Scientist]].
12. (June 2014). "Robert Winston: my research could open door to 'risky' eugenics". The Telegraph.