Human genome editing : ethical and regulatory landscape in Europe

Abstract

Gene editing in humans is generating worldwide interest among scientists and the general public both for its discovery of innovative knowledge on fundamental biological processes as well as for its prospective advances in human health. The possibility of intervening in the genome in order to change the molecular structure or the function of a gene has reached new dimensions with the discovery of technologies which can change genetic and epigenetic features in an unprecedented targeted way. This ground-breaking technology is raising high hopes and far-reaching fears at the same time. Consequently, these rapidly evolving techniques of human genome editing have given rise to a significant debate as indicated by the spate of reports published by a number of national and international committees on its feasibility, desirability as well as its ethical and governance implications.