The ethics of embryo profiling

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Ethical issues surrounding embryo profiling will come under the spotlight at an international genetics conference at the University of Kent’s Canterbury campus, 29 April-2 May.

Other topics to be discussed at the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis International Society (PGDIS) annual meeting include the impact of IVF on embryonic and long-term health and various aspects of whole genome analysis of IVF embryos.

More than 300 experts from the field of preimplantation genetics are expected to attend the conference, with IVF pioneer Professor Sir Robert Winston giving the keynote address on 2 May. The conference is expected to see the reuniting of many members of the original research teams, led by Professor Winston and Professor Alan Handyside, which pioneered pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in the 1980s.

Alongside debate and discussion, the conference will provide a showcase for announcements of advances in the science of PGD – which involves the genetic profiling of embryos prior to implantation and can be used for the diagnosis of specific diseases.

Journalists are invited to attend all or any part of the conference. For link to full programme and accreditation details, see notes to editors below.

Darren Griffin, Professor of Genetics at the University of Kent and conference organiser, said: ‘PGD continues to be a controversial topic. This conferences aims to address the past, present and future of this ever-evolving area of science.’

Professor Griffin, of the University’s School of Biosciences, will give a presentation entitled Counting chromosomes: from sexing to Karyomapping, which will take place as part of a session looking at early discoveries in the history of PGD and how they have led to more recent innovations.

Other participants include Professor Robert Taylor, of the University of Newcastle (Preventing the transmission of mitochondrial DNA disease); Professor Daniel Brison, of the University of Manchester (The impact of IVF on embryonic and long-term health); Professor Stephen Wilkinson, of the University of Lancaster (Is there a case for testing of anything? Non-medical PGD) and Gary Harton, of Illumina Ltd (Karyomapping: clinical validation).

For further information or interview requests contact Martin Herrema in the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: M.J.Herrema@kent.ac.uk

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