A Chinese researcher claiming to have led a team that genetically edited human babies is now under investigation, as well as an American professor who might have helped him.

He Jiankui, an associate professor at Shenzhen's Southern University of Science and Technology of China, revealed his gene editing work on Monday to an organizer of an international conference on gene editing in Hong Kong. He told the Associated Press he altered the DNA of twin girls born this month to resist HIV and AIDS virus. He said he's altered embryos for seven couples in fertility treatments, but only had one pregnancy result.

No journal or independent source has verified He's claim about genetic editing, a practice that's illegal in the United States. The babies parents did not want to be publicly identified.

Shenzhen University said Monday in a statement that the school was unaware of the research, which violates its academic ethics. The school also said He is under investigation. He had been on leave since February 1 and wasn't expected to return until January 2021.

Shenzhen authorities are also investigating.

More:AP Exclusive: First gene-edited babies claimed in China

An American professor, Michael Deem with Rice University, is also being investigated by the United States because of his alleged involvement in He's research.

Additionally, more than 100 scientists have signed a petition calling for stricter regulations around gene editing experiments in reaction to He's claim.

Contributing: The Associated Press. Follow Ashley May on Twitter: @AshleyMayTweets