Genome editing has captured widespread attention due to its potential therapeutic applications. Early studies with human embryos have established the feasibility of human germline genome editing but raise complex social, ethical, and legal questions. In light of the potential impact of genome editing on the practice of cardiovascular medicine, we surveyed ≈300 attendees at a recent American Heart Association conference to elicit their opinions on somatic and germline genome editing. The results were revealing and highlight the need to broadly engage the public and solicit the opinions of various constituencies before proceeding with clinical germline genome editing.
Keywords: American Heart Association; gene editing; genetics; mosaicism; mutation.