[CRISPR-Cas9, germinal cells and human embryo].

The performance of the molecular tool using CRISPR-Cas9, which makes it possible to induce targeted modifications of the DNA, has found numerous applications in research and open promising prospects in human clinic. CRISPR-Cas9 has been widely used to generate transgenic animals after targeted modification of the genome at the zygotic stage. It was also tested on human embryos on an experimental basis. Although there are potential medical indications that may justify a targeted modification of the embryo or germ cell genome, the uncertainties regarding the efficacy and safety of the method do not allow us to consider implementing such germline gene therapy in the short-term. However, it is necessary to weigh the scientific and ethical issues involved in this approach.