Safe and purposeful genome editing under harmonized regulation for responsible use: views of research experts

CRISPR-Cas9 revolutionized the precise editing of mammalian cells genome. The present study explores genome editing (GE) in the context of the Responsible Research and Innovation framework for emerging technologies, through semi-structured interviews with life sciences researchers worldwide. Our study demonstrates that for researchers in the field, GE technology is viewed as promising but also harboring unsolved challenges. These experts call for complementary research to improve the technology and increase knowledge of the genome function. They clearly do not support what they perceive as unsafe, unpredictable and irrelevant applications, and they view the lack of international harmonization of regulation in combination with cultural differences in public attitude as difficult challenges. Interviewees see public misconceptions as a problem while recognizing the need to foster a clear science-society dialogue with informed citizens. This study with scientists provides insight into the science-based priorities for GE to be a technology that can be responsibly applied.

CRISPR-Cas9 革新了哺乳动物细胞基因组的精准编辑技术。本研究通过对全球生命科学研究者开展半结构化访谈，在新兴技术的负责任研究与创新（Responsible Research and Innovation）框架下，探讨基因组编辑（GE）相关议题。本研究表明，对于该领域研究者而言，基因组编辑技术既被视为极具发展前景的技术，同时也存在尚未解决的诸多挑战。这些专家呼吁开展补充性研究以优化该技术，并加深对基因组功能的认知。他们明确反对自身认定为不安全、不可预测且缺乏应用价值的应用场景，并认为监管缺乏国际协调统一，叠加公众态度的文化差异，是棘手的现实挑战。受访研究者认为公众误解是一项突出问题，同时也认可需与具备科学素养的民众开展清晰的科学-社会对话。本项针对科学家的研究，为基因组编辑技术实现负责任应用的科学优先方向提供了重要洞见。