Columbia Scientists Precisely Edit Human Embryo DNA With 1-Letter Changes
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Columbia Scientists Precisely Edit Human Embryo DNA With 1-Letter Changes
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Summary
Columbia researchers used base editing to alter DNA in early human embryos with unprecedented precision, replacing single genetic letters rather than cutting the genome.
That approach aims to avoid the damage often seen with earlier CRISPR methods and could eventually help repair disease-causing mutations before birth.
Dieter Egli, the geneticist who led the work, said major questions about harmful side effects remain and stressed the technique is not ready for clinical use.
The advance also revives a long-running ethical fight because the same technology could be used not only to prevent disease but to select desired traits in future babies.
The study has been posted online and is still under journal review, while Egli called for a broader public debate over altering embryonic DNA.