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UK fertility regulators from the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) have given the green light to researchers to genetically modify human embryos.

The goal of the project is for Francis Crick Institute scientists to gain extensive knowledge about the genes that human embryos need to develop efficiently.

The work will be led by Dr. Kathy Niakan and will specifically study the development of a fertilized egg during the first seven days.

The results of the investigation will be vital to the improvement of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The project may also pave the way for better therapies to address infertility.

"I am delighted that the HFEA has approved Dr. Niakan's application," says Crick director Paul Nurse.

The embryos to be used for the project will be donated by patients after giving informed consent. These patients are those who undergo IVF treatments and the eggs to be used are excess of those treatments.

Under the HEFA regulation, any of the donated embryos will only be used for the purpose of research. None of the embryos cannot be utilized for any type of treatment.

"I think this will be a good example to countries who are considering their approach to regulating this technology," says Sarah Chan from the University of Edinburgh. For her, the approval of HEFA will not only impact the UK, but the entire world as well.

Another expert from Crick could not agree more. Robin Lovell-Badge says HEFA's decision will give that boost to other researchers who aim to perform genome-editing on human embryos. He has heard of scientists who would want to do the same thus, he expects more similar applications in the future.

Badge also says that other countries may also be affected by the approval. Researchers from all over the world will now have the confidence to apply to the concerned regulatory bodies in their countries if there are, or just start and make a move.

Chan suggests having a regulated system that will put a distinct line between research and reproduction.

The researchers are just waiting for ethical approval. Once given, the project will commence in the next few months.

Last month, the researchers expressed their confidence about the approval and expected to start by March.

Photo: Brendan Dolan-Gavitt | Flickr

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