By Alyssa Cho Have you ever wanted to change your life, build your identity from scratch, eliminate all your imperfections? Imagine what could happen if you were able to change your DNA… Oh, wait, you don’t have to. Scientists are already creating ways to alter the genomes of all kinds of organisms using a revolutionary technique called CRISPR-Cas9. CRISPR, a genome editing tool that is pushing the frontiers of biology, can make precise changes to DNA in a way that is more accurate, cost-effective, and efficient than any other existing genome editing methods. This simple technology which in essence only involves two components—an RNA molecule that targets a string of DNA and an enzyme called Cas9 that snips the gene—has supplied us with an astounding amount of power: we can correct disease-causing mutations, increase crop yields, and save countless human lives. On the other hand, misuse of this technology might lead to a new age of designer babies, a widening gap between the rich and the poor, and a plethora of other problems that could create irreversible changes in society. In the fiercely controversial debate about the future of CRISPR, there are two main points to consider: first, the successes of gene editing so far, and second, the possible outcomes that may arise from unregulated gene editing. What Has Gene Editing Done For Us So Far?
Possible Negative Impacts of Gene Editing Clearly, CRISPR genome editing is a generally accepted practice in terms of transforming plants and animals, but the story is a bit different when it comes to humans. Editing DNA in the human germ line—the egg and sperm cells that form an embryo—would allow genetic changes to be passed on from generation to generation. If we’re perceiving the jar as half-full, this could be a great leap forward for mankind: families could rid their bloodlines of diseases like Down syndrome and breast cancer once and for all. On the other hand, by slowly increasing the accessibility of human germline modification, a frenetic ethical mess may ensue. Should germline modification be limited to medical purposes, or should it be extended to enhancement purposes as well? Can a line between the two even be drawn? What if only the rich could afford genome editing? That could increase disparities in health care access, not to mention exacerbate social discrimination and inequality. What an easy problem to solve, you might say. Just prohibit germ line enhancements. But even if it were to be prohibited, it’s easy to see that germline modification could eventually wear away the edges of regulations, giving way to less practical, more personally indulgent uses. What Now? So, is this powerful gene editing technique a beacon of hope, a blessing to mankind, the promise of a better future? Or is it simply an evil that will exacerbate the ever-present problems of humanity? It’s true that CRISPR has the potential to transform society, but whether it does so in a positive or negative manner is up to us. Only three words can ensure that the benefits of this technology are not overshadowed by mistakes—proceed with caution. Citations“Learning About Breast Cancer.” National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), www.genome.gov/10000507/learning-about-breast-cancer/. Borel, Brooke. “Editing Out Pesticides.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, 3 Aug. 2016, www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/nature/crispr-grapes/. Liittschwager, David. “How the DNA Revolution Is Changing Us.” National Geographic, 15 July 2016, www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/08/dna-crispr-gene-editing-science-ethics/. Porostocky, Thomas. “Pro and Con: Should Gene Editing Be Performed on Human Embryos?” National Geographic, 19 Oct. 2017, www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2016/08/human-gene-editing-pro-con-opinions/. Regalado, Antonio. “We Uncovered the Plan to Engineer the Human Species.” MIT Technology Review, MIT Technology Review, 7 Apr. 2016, www.technologyreview.com/s/535661/engineering-the-perfect-baby/. “What Are Genome Editing and CRISPR-Cas9? - Genetics Home Reference.” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/genomicresearch/genomeediting. “What Are the Ethical Concerns about Genome Editing?” National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), www.genome.gov/27569225/what-are-the-ethical-concerns-about-genome-editing/. “What Is CRISPR-Cas9?” Facts, The Public Engagement Team at the Wellcome Genome Campus, 19 Dec. 2016, www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-crispr-cas9. Suggested ReadingsChoMar, Adrian, et al. “And Science's 2015 Breakthrough of the Year Is...” Science | AAAS, 9 Dec. 2017, www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/12/and-science-s-2015-breakthrough-year.
Kaminski, Rafal, et al. “Elimination of HIV-1 Genomes from Human T-Lymphoid Cells by CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing.” Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 4 Mar. 2016, www.nature.com/articles/srep22555. Smith, Belinda. “Why Can't We Edit Human Genes Yet?” ABC News, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 12 Dec. 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/science/2017-12-13/crispr-cas9-gene-editing-more-accurate-and-safer/9185320.
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