How CRISPR Changes Human DNA Forever

In 2011, scientists achieved a fascinating scientific milestone: they created glow-in-the-dark cats. By extracting a gene from glowing jellyfish and inserting it into the unfertilized eggs of house cats, researchers managed to bioengineer luminescent felines. However, this glowing trick was not their primary aim. The researchers also modified the cats to be more resistant to a feline form of AIDS by manipulating their DNA. Given that humans share around 90% of their DNA with cats, it brings up an interesting question: Could we engineer humans in a similar way?

CRISPR Technology

Yes, we can engineer ourselves to be resistant to life-threatening illnesses using genetic editing tools such as CRISPR. One scientist claims that he has genetically engineered two babies using this revolutionary tool. But what exactly is a CRISPR baby?

Traits such as height or baldness are encoded within the six billion letters of our genetic code. However, genetic mutations can cause a myriad of medical conditions, including sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease. What if we could edit out these mutations? That’s where CRISPR comes into play.

How CRISPR Works

CRISPR is derived from specialized proteins and other compounds found in certain bacteria, which typically protect these bacteria by targeting and destroying invading viruses. Scientists have adapted CRISPR to target and eliminate genetic mutations and other disease-linked genes in humans.

The CRISPR process begins with giving the proteins the coordinates of the unwanted gene. CRISPR then performs a seek-and-destroy function and can be followed by the deployment of other molecules to repair the gene with new, healthy DNA. This effectively allows for the editing of the human genome. Though the editing process is quick, the changes can be long-lasting, especially when performed on an embryo. Embryos start from a single cell that replicates into millions and then trillions more, meaning that altering the initial cell affects every subsequent cell. These altered cells can then be passed from one generation to the next.

Ethical and Safety Concerns

Most human embryo experiments using CRISPR have remained confined to laboratories due to potential risks and ethical concerns. However, Dr. He Jiankui claimed to have used CRISPR to disable the CCR5 gene linked to HIV infection in human embryos. He then implanted these embryos into women, one of whom gave birth to genetically modified twins. While the claim of HIV resistance is notable, most scientists argue that the procedure was too risky. Studies indicate that edited cells might trigger cancer, and CRISPR can mistakenly target healthy DNA. Thus, while CRISPR holds the promise of making us immune to certain diseases, it also comes with significant unknowns.

Keywords

CRISPR
Genome Editing
Genetic Engineering
DNA
Mutations
HIV Resistance
Embryo
Genetic Code
Ethical Concerns
Genetic Modification
CCR5 Gene

FAQ

Q: What is CRISPR? A: CRISPR is a gene-editing tool derived from specialized proteins in bacteria that can edit the human genome by targeting and eliminating genetic mutations.

Q: What triggered the creation of glow-in-the-dark cats? A: Scientists extracted a gene from glowing jellyfish and inserted it into the unfertilized eggs of house cats, successfully creating luminescent cats.

Q: What potential risks are associated with CRISPR? A: Studies suggest edited cells can trigger cancer, and CRISPR can mistakenly target healthy DNA, raising safety concerns.

Q: Who claimed to have created genetically modified babies using CRISPR? A: Dr. He Jiankui claimed to have used CRISPR to disable the CCR5 gene linked to HIV in human embryos.

Q: Why are most CRISPR experiments on human embryos confined to labs? A: Ethical concerns and risks associated with unintended genetic issues keep most human embryo CRISPR experiments within laboratories.