// Comments from the Fellows

Markus Grompe, MD

Genetic manipulation of many species, including mammals (adding genes, changing genes, deleting genes) has been possible for more than a decade. People have made artificial chromosomes and added them to yeast, bacteria, mice etc.

The ability to build a whole chromosome is new, but it doesn't represent a unique change in our abilities, it simply is an enhancement.

I have been in the gene therapy field since 1987. It was very clear from day one that this technology could be used to change our species genetically by manipulating the germ line, i.e. making transgenic humans. There has been a consensus from day one that this would be off limits ethically.

In terms of transgenesis/genetic manipulation of other species? This is what we have been doing for eons by selective breeding (poodles, designer roses etc.), enhanced tomatoes, pesticide resistant plants etc. A couple of years ago, they actually reconstructed the lethal flue virus that killed millions during World War I using a similar technique as used here.

Dr. Grompe is Professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Molecular and Medical Genetics at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, Oregon. He also is the Director of the Oregon Stem Cell Center and serves on the board of directors of the international society for stem cell research. He divides his time between laboratory research and clinical care of patients with genetic disorders. His laboratory is active in the investigation of novel stem cell and gene therapy approaches for metabolic liver diseases, type 1 diabetes and bone marrow failure.