Cloning and the interview...

[evescadeceus]

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The recent abortion thread was interesting, even though it seemed to attract its share of posts that were more interested in the politics of the choice. I'm starting interviews soon, and am wondering how to answer a question on cloning - most likely on the ethics of the recent fertility procedure done in China and just banned by the gov't there.

I guess I don't really understand why this procedure was ethically controversial to begin with. I realize I might sound ignorant saying this, so if somebody can point out my oversight constructively, please do.

As I understand it, nuclear material from the infertile patient was inserted into the hollowed out egg of a donor. The resulting embryo got mitochon DNA from a donor mom. Since mitochon DNA is very similar from individual to individual, I don't understand why the international reaction was apparently so negative. Cloning seems to have become a scary, dirty word, but I don't see where this procedure was so wrong.

Thoughts, folks?

 

[Gleevec]

Originally posted by evescadeceus
The recent abortion thread was interesting, even though it seemed to attract its share of posts that were more interested in the politics of the choice. I'm starting interviews soon, and am wondering how to answer a question on cloning - most likely on the ethics of the recent fertility procedure done in China and just banned by the gov't there.

I guess I don't really understand why this procedure was ethically controversial to begin with. I realize I might sound ignorant saying this, so if somebody can point out my oversight constructively, please do.

As I understand it, nuclear material from the infertile patient was inserted into the hollowed out egg of a donor. The resulting embryo got mitochon DNA from a donor mom. Since mitochon DNA is very similar from individual to individual, I don't understand why the international reaction was apparently so negative. Cloning seems to have become a scary, dirty word, but I don't see where this procedure was so wrong.

Thoughts, folks?

My main objection to this is what similar procedures have been tried before and oftentimes have resulted in genetic and developmental defects.

I agree that cloning isnt a good word to use for this, due to its connotations, which is why some people say SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer).

In any case, there are several unresolved conflicts involved in the procedure related to genetic reprogramming, DNA methylation, gene inactivation, etc. This can lead to some serious developmental abnormalities early in life, or rapid onset of senescence later in life (Dolly had arthritis, among other problems, and aged rapidly).

So my main objection to this procedure, and why I think it should be banned, is because the fundamental biology has not been worked out as of yet in animal models. I think if we are going to make mistakes, we should make them in mice, and not risk it on human beings.

 

[evescadeceus]

Thanks, Gleevec, this is the sort of feedback I was hoping for. Much appreciated.