There have been attempts to produce embryos that are HIV-proof. Chinese researchers are taking a second attempt to be successful. It is controversial, and so far it is unsure as to whether can be born and not catch diseases.
Guangzhou University researcher Yong Fan, however, believes that it is possible. DNA was placed into 200 single cell embryos with the hope that the gene would prevent the development of HIV. Those involved are opposed until the process is perfected. They are aware that at present there needs to be more work carried out before it is placed into a human.
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It is the CCR5 gene that can be modified to the extent that it can resist HIV. Some humans already have a naturally resistant gene, and this is because they are deficient in the protein HV needs.
There has even been a case of a person being cured of HIV when they were given bone marrow from a donor who had the mutated gene. Doctors in Berlin only refer to him as “The Berlin Patient.”
CRISPR is the process used by Fan to alter the DNA and ensure they have the CCR5 version of the gene, and this will show them that in theory, at least, HIV people can be made. The team has had success in the past when embryos were altered to combat beta thalassemia.
The first results need to be improved as only some were edited, and the ones that edited did not all include the new gene.
Story Via; MIT TechnologyReview.com
