CRISPR gene editing is a gene-editing technology that can be used to modify/correct regions of our DNA to treat diseases. CRISPR’s expansion is “Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats” This allows scientists to alter DNA to possibly treat genetic disorders and even cure diseases that were previously untreatable.
CRISPR works to target specific sequences of DNA and remove, add, or change genetic material. This is done by the use of the protein called Cas9 directs the genome (you want to change) by a strand of RNA. The Cas9 protein then cuts the DNA which allows scientists to edit the genome. CRISPR is different from other gene-editing tools because it is mostly encoded within an RNA rather than a protein. Most gene-editing tools are single proteins.
CRISPR-Cas9 is used as an immune defense. The bacteria capture small pieces of the viruses' DNA and insert them into their own DNA. The way they insert it makes this type of pattern to create CRISPR arrays. The CRISPR arrays "remember" the viruses and make RNA segments, if they’re attacked by the viruses again. The bacteria from CRISPR use Cas9 (similar enzymes or proteins like) to kill the virus.
Other than the medical advancements, CRISPR is also transforming agriculture. Scientists use this technology to develop crops that are more resistant to environmental factors like pests, drought, and disease.
While CRISPR is extraordinary, it also raises ethical questions. One of the most discussed issues is germline editing. The DNA changes the genetic makeup of embryos. The issue is that the changes made in the germline are heritable. The traits could be passed down and edited. Additionally, there are risks called off-target effects. These could lead to genetic mutations. CRISPR can be very challenging to handle and so must be used for responsibility.
References
Gene editing. CRISPR Therapeutics. (n.d.). https://crisprtx.com/gene-editing
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). What are genome editing and CRISPR-Cas9?: Medlineplus Genetics. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/genomicresearch/genomeediting/
What is CRISPR? A Bioengineer explains. Stanford Report. (n.d.). https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2024/06/stanford-explainer-crispr-gene-editing-and-beyond
Written by Pooja Gopinathrao from MEDILOQUY