In the last blog, we talked about what genetic editing is and what tools are being used. We ended our blog with a short info about CRISPR, now we'll look into how it works :
A crucial component in this research is Cas9, an enzyme created by the CRISPR system. Cas9 can bind to DNA and make precise cuts, effectively deactivating the targeted gene. Additionally, modified versions of Cas9 can initiate gene expression without altering the DNA structure, providing researchers with valuable insights into gene functions. Moreover, studies indicate that CRISPR-Cas9 could be utilized to pinpoint and rectify genetic mutations in the human genome, presenting promising prospects for disease treatments.
The utilization of CRISPR technology in IVF procedures is well-established among scientists. However, employing this technology to modify the DNA sequence of embryos and facilitate the birth of genetically modified babies has been the subject of ethical debate. Recent developments have raised further questions about the ethical implications of such practices. Let's see how one such experiment went:
On November 25, 2018, a historic event took place with the birth of the world's first babies whose genes were edited using CRISPR-Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats). Dr. Jiankui He, from the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, led the remarkable gene-editing procedure. By altering a gene in a human embryo, Dr. successfully brought Lulu and Nana into the world. These twins carry a modified CCR5 gene, which could potentially offer them protection against HIV infection. As of now, they are being studied as test subjects. It's essential to note that unlike gene-editing protocols used as therapies to correct genetic alterations in somatic cells, the protocol used to create these twins results in a permanent change to the germ line that could be passed on the future generations
"Get ready for our next blog, where we'll delve into the aftermath of this groundbreaking experiment. What were the burning questions raised by scientists in response to Dr. Jiankui's work, and most importantly, was it met with acceptance?" Stay tuned !!!