CRISPR Technology is an exciting new gene editing tool that allows scientists to edit and modify genes in organisms. Gene editing technologies such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, or CRISPR, primarily focus on creating effective treatments and possible cures for diseases such as ornithine transcarbamylase, sickle cell disease, β-thalassemia, Alzheimer’s, and even cancers and viral infections. Think of CRISPR as a technology that can cut DNA strands at precise places.
While this is very exciting news and scientists are ambitious, there are some potential drawbacks. With the great potential to cure and treat diseases and illnesses comes the risk of unintentional side effects.
CRISPR were discovered in 1987 by Japanese researcher Yoshizumi Ishino and his team. They published a paper describing unusual repetitive DNA sequences in the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) genome. These sequences would later be recognized as the first documentation of CRISPR.
CRISPR is essential to a family of DNA sequences found in prokaryotic cells such as bacteria and archaea that serve as an immune system defense against invading DNA of infectious viruses.
Since 1987, the discovery of CRISPR has been studied and researched primarily for potential medical applications. It wasn’t until 2005 after the discovery of the Cas9 protein within the CRISPR sequences some researchers started to mull over the idea of the potential to further gene editing technology.
In 2012 the “CRISPR Revolution” involved researchers Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier who published groundbreaking papers showcasing the adaptability of the CRISPR Cas9 protein to edit genomes in a wide range of organisms including plants, animals, and human cells.
CRISPR-Cas9 grants scientists the ability to revise, remove, and replace certain strands of DNA in a highly targeted manner. The “Cas9” protein gives CRISPR the ability to modify genetic codes within one’s DNA sequence.
Yet, these exciting recent developments in the world of gene editing come with their share of ethical and health concerns. While CRISPR technology has the potential to save many lives, it also has the potential for negative ramifications. Ethical concerns consist of negative and/or unintended gene mutations, practicality, long-term consequences, dual-use, oversight, and environmental impact.
In 2018, a Chinese scientist by the name of He Jiankui recruited a couple where the man was infected with HIV. The couple allowed Dr. He to make the first attempt ever to edit genes within their IVF embryos of unborn twins.
The process begins with harvesting an egg from the female and sperm from the male. Then, the egg is fertilized with the HIV-infected male’s sperm in the laboratory. His goal was to disable the CCR5 gene that enables HIV infection, thus making the twins virtually immune to AIDS. The twins named Lulu and Nana were born in November 2018 and instantly became a hot topic around the world.
Some hailed this as a scientific breakthrough giving humanity the power to alter the course of human evolution for the better. They were saving lives! Yet many people in the scientific community were horrified particularly within the Chinese scientific community. Over 122 Chinese scientists released statements calling Dr. He’s actions baffling, unethical, morally reprehensible, and a tremendous blow to the reputation and development of the scientific community in China.
The fear was that Chinese science would lose funding over the CRISPR twins and gain a negative stigma around the world as a “Chinese Frankenstein doctor” or “mad, godless scientist.” However, even after the backlash, Dr. He views his breakthrough with the CRISPR Twins as necessary for humanity. He was willing to sacrifice his career to progress this science. Dr. He believed he could save lives with this technology. His passion gave him the courage to break down the barriers holding CRISPR technology back.
However, even if Dr. He’s intentions were purely saving lives, curing and preventing diseases, many still believe it was highly unethical. Even though the CRISPR Twins are still alive today seemingly with no negative side effects, it is still unclear if they are completely immune to the HIV virus and if there are any long-lasting negative side effects related to their conception.
The gene editing process can cause unintended and unforeseen mutations in their genomes. The potential to cure diseases that have plagued people for generations is exciting and tantalizing, but it is easy to be blinded by the potential for good and overlook the potential negative associations with gene editing technologies such as CRISPR.
