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Written By: Agencies | Published : April 15, 2014 3:57 PM IST
A start-up created by Princeton scientists, GenePeeks gives prospective parents a more accurate picture of the probability of genetic disorders in their offspring before the baby is conceived. Using human genome sequencing techniques and a unique process patented in January, the GenePeeks laboratory combines DNA from the future mother and father to create thousands of possible 'virtual children.' Lee Silver, professor of molecular biology at Princeton and co-founder of GenePeeks, developed a unique series of algorithms capable of digitally reproducing the genetic combination that occurs during fertilization. (Read: In genetic disorders, awareness and early diagnosis are important)
This fertilization simulation, dubbed Matchright, is particularly attractive for sperm bank customers, as it allows a woman to determine which donor would provide the lowest chance of genetic disease. For a given mother, the sperm bank can run the process with several sperm donors, resulting in tens of thousands of potential babies. The algorithm then screens these virtual genomes for potential genetic diseases and filters out those donors who come with a higher risk. (Read: CRISPR a gene editing technique to correct genetic disorder)
Currently, the process is available only to sperm banks and fertility clinics. But GenePeeks hopes to bring its concept to individuals in the future. The prospect of screening virtual embryos has raised ethical objections, and critics have not hesitated to use the loaded term of eugenics. However, the co-founders of the service stress that their goal is to help couples avoid genetic diseases, not to create 'designer babies.' (Read: Experimental gene therapy improves sight in patients with rare sight disorder called choroideremia)
Source: AFP
Image source: AFP
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