After the cancer mouse row, the designer sperm
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.TWO AMERICAN scientists have invented a way of correcting defective genes in sperm so children inherit only the 'healthy' ones.
The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia is trying to patent the technique with the European Patent Office, but most European countries have ruled that 'germ-line' gene therapy - where new genes are passed to subsequent generations - is unacceptable. In some countries it is illegal.
The genetic engineering of sperm is the latest controversial biotechnology patent to be considered by the Office. After protests across Europe, the Office is reviewing a decision to allow a patent (also sought by an American university) on a mouse designed in the laboratory to contract cancer.
Under the European Patent convention, patents can be refused on the grounds that they might be contrary to morality or to public order.
Today's issue of New Scientist magazine says Ralph Brinster, professor of physiology at the University's Veterinary School, and Jim Zimmermann developed the sperm process for animal breeding. However, the patent specification is broad enough to include applications 'where the said animal is human', the magazine states.
The technique involves removing sperm-producing cells, known as spermatogonia, from the testes and then irradiating the testes to destroy any remaining sperm or spermatogonia. New genes can then be inserted into the spermatogonia removed earlier and altered cells put back into the empty testes.
The genetically engineered spermatogonia would mature and produce healthy sperm which would carry the designer genes into any child the man fathered.
Inserting 'designer genes' into animals and plants for propagation is routine in research laboratories and commercial companies. The first successful gene therapy on a human was in September 1990 when a girl was treated for an immune system defect.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments