mportant advance commented in
@nature reporting the first successful application of base editing approaches to human embryos. Both impressive and potentially worrysome. Study is not yet peer-reviewed, nor published, but deposited in
@biorxivpreprint https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-01827-8
Precise genome editing of human embryos triggers praise and alarm
The ‘base editing’ technique that researchers used is far from ready for the clinic, but critics worry that it will spur a rush to commercialize the approach.
This is the preprint at
@biorxivpreprint from Dieter Egly’s laboratory reporting the successful application of base editing techniques on human embryos. Two targets tested: PCSK9 and HBG genes. No chromosomal abnormalities detected. Base editors as RNPs.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.05.30.728989v1This work, although not het published, has been already commented and underlined in
@nytimes thus demonstrating the great anticipated impact expected from this experiment. Edited embryos were analyzed at blastocyst stage and used for ESC. Not implanted.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/04/science/embryos-gene-editing-crispr.html
In a First, Scientists Precisely Edit Human Embryo Genes
Researchers relied on a newer gene-editing technique that may make it possible to engineer embryos, a prospect that has long alarmed bioethicists.
I understand the excitement of this preprint. They managed to apply base editing in two loci of human embryos with significant success. But we should not forget that genetic preimplantational tests almost make these approaches unnecessary. Plus this remains illegal in most places.
Publico en el blog del observatorio de
#bioética de
@fpablovi esta reflexión sobre este aparente avance que ha permitido editar genéticamente embriones humanos con eficiencias sorprendentes, de dos dígitos, y lo que esto puede suponer. Prudencia por favor.
https://www.fpablovi.org/analisis-actualidad/2268-edicion-genetica-de-embriones-humanos-con-eficiencias-de-dos-digitos
Edición genética de embriones humanos con eficiencias de dos dígitos
En el campo de la edición genética había un rumor en el ambiente, desde hace por lo menos seis meses, sobre la existencia de dos manuscritos preparados des...
Lluis Montoliu