美国首次对人类胚胎进行基因编辑，或能消除家族遗传病_时事

美国首次对人类胚胎进行基因编辑，或能消除家族遗传病

围绕着人类胚胎基因编辑存在争论，部分原因是因为担心基因编辑技术对DNA的改变日后会一代接一代传给那些胚胎的后代。这样一来，可能会对人类基因组成产生不稳定的影响。

"There is also considerable concern about off-target effects, such as making mutations at sites in the genome other than the intended target," said Carroll. In other words, an edit made in one area of DNA possibly could cause problems in another, as a ripple or domino effect, which could be concerning.

卡罗尔说：“对于脱靶效应的担忧也很多，比如导致目标基因组以外的基因发生突变。”换句话说，对DNA的一个区域进行编辑可能在另一区域引发问题，就像是连锁反应或多米诺骨牌效应，这点也值得担忧。

Some CRISPR critics also have argued that gene-editing may give way to eugenics and to allowing embryos to be edited with certain features in order to develop so-called designer babies.

一些基因编辑技术批评者还认为，基因编辑可能会给优生创造条件，致使人们为了孕育出所谓的“定制婴儿”而编辑胚胎的某种特征。

Though, not all experts are too concerned.

不过，并非所有专家都忧心忡忡。

The enthusiasm surrounding gene-editing in human embryos partly stems from the promise CRISPR has shown in editing away and treating devastating intractable diseases. Earlier this year, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on human genome editing, addressing potential applications of gene editing, including the possible prevention or treatment of disease.