The Need for GM Technology
Genetic information represented by DNA is stored in the human body not only in cell two-membrane nuclei but also as an independent component in mitochondria. Any disorders and abnormalities in the development of mitochondrial genetic information can lead to the dysfunction of these organelles, which in turn affects the efficiency of intracellular ATP production during the process of cellular respiration. Such mitochondrial dysfunctionality results in lesions of major organismal systems and developmental delays (Ng et al. 573). Such outcomes are not clinically desirable, so modern science must take measures to combat mitochondrial diseases. One way to address mitochondrial diseases is through genetic engineering, aimed at finding, correcting, or eliminating breaks in the mitochondrial genes. The most common name for this technology is mitochondrial replacement therapy: its essence is that dysfunctional maternal mitochondria are replaced with healthy donor organelles, which prevents the transmission of the breakage to offspring (Sharma et al., 2020). Consequently, this therapy helps ensure the birth of healthy children whose mitochondria do not turn out to be mutated. Farther horizons of the therapy make it possible to modify mitochondrial DNA in already sick people to improve their quality of life. Despite the promise of the technology, mitochondrial genetic engineering may be associated with severe risks, including the emergence of new diseases, because long-term safety data are lacking to date. Based on this data, I support this technology because I see it as the future. Of course, it is associated with risks and threats, but it takes time to collect data and study all the weaknesses of substitution therapy. Fear of new technology is natural, and in the same way, society was afraid of GMO developments in the food industry. Nevertheless, with the right level of transparency, accountability, and oversight, such genetic engineering will definitely bring positive results for public health.
Limitations on the Use of GM-Mitochondria
Like any procedure involving the alteration of a patient’s genetic integrity, replacement therapy must have specific and regulated limitations. For my part, I suggest a set of four rules prohibiting the use of GM mitochondria for specific patient cohorts. First, these are incapacitated people who have no guardians and cannot take responsibility for themselves and their decisions. Such people tend to be in a vegetative state, and no one can take care of them. Nevertheless, doctors do not have the right to take the authority to decide for their patients, so GM technology should be restricted in its application to them. Secondly, any such procedures must take place officially and in a controlled manner in order to rule out the existence of underground clinics that are not responsible for the results of the therapy. Third, there should be a ban on the use of therapy for minors without parental or guardian consent. Finally, such therapy takes time, so it must be monitored that the patient remains under observation throughout the process because otherwise, the clinic cannot guarantee success.
Use of Taxpayer Money
In general, it is not a moral offense to use taxpayer money to fund government programs to develop mitochondrial DNA genetic engineering. The ultimate goal of such therapy is to improve the quality of life of the nation’s citizens, including future generations, so much spending is strategically essential and ethically justified. Nevertheless, like any major investment project, this development may encounter corruption and taxpayer money laundering, so expenditures must be clearly declared and transparent, and the results of the work must be tangible and accessible.
References
Ng, Yi Shiau, et al. “Mitochondrial Disease in Adults: Recent Advances and Future Promise.” The Lancet Neurology, vol. 20, no. 7, 2021, pp. 573-584.
Sharma, Hitika, et al. “Development of Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy: A Review.” Heliyon, vol. 6, no. 9, 2020, pp. 1-7.