Hi there
This blog-post
serves to give you a brief overview of the CRISPR/Cas9 method as well as to
outline with which ethical conflicts this science branch must deal.
Many scientist were working on that subject for quite a while, but since
2012 it’s known over the entire world. The research group around E.Charpentier
and J.Doudna published their work about the use of the method. And so, it
works:
CRISPR are repetitive sequence on the DNA of Prokaryotes. This
CRISPR-DNA is meant to storage foreign DNA (e.g. bacteriophage) as a so-called
Spacer. This spacer can then be transcripted by a RNA (pre-crRNA), in the case
of an infection. The pre-crRNA and the Endonuclease Cas9 are then working
together to cut and destroy the viral DNA at a specific spot, the Spacer like
one. In other words: the Cas9 knows how to cut and the transcripted Spacer
knows where to. The complete process is not fully understood yet but a lot can
already be done (in all organisms) and further research is in progress.
The CRISPR/Cas method is an answer on infection but works for other DNA
sections and Eukaryotes as well. That means this method is comparable to the hammer
in the toolbox of genetic engineering. The astonishing thing about the method
is its accuracy and velocity. Not all off-target effects (Nuclease cuts on a
wrong spot) are nowadays eradicate, but the artificial synthesised Cas9 and the
Guide RNA are getting better and better which leads also to a better result.
The requirements for using genome editing is therefore a well-equipped biomolecular
laboratory.
By using genome editing (e.g. CRISPR/Cas9) plants can gain stronger
resistance or have other characteristics that make them more interesting. The
processed plants don’t show any transgenes and are sometimes already in use for
production. Canada and the U.S.A. permitted a potato variety that contains 75% less
Acrylamides, which is cancerogenic and arise trough frying.
Having such a powerful instrument to selectively change single base
pairs, this science branch must deal with ethical conflicts. Changing DNA is
still a taboo topic for many and the debate is more emotional than fact-based. Therefore,
a great fear is in the broad population, saying that scientist just play with
the essence of life. In my opinion this method is highly promising and many
good things are possibly with it. But the brief time since its publication and
the high potential of misusing frightens me somehow. It’s not a discover that
can be taken easily, by saying it is just normal progress, because of the profound
change that this will bring to humanity. Genome Editing will change the way we
all think, and that always need its time.
Thanks for reading and commenting
References:
I like the way how you personlize your blog posts. It's a welcome change to the sterile writing style of scientific papers. Moreover, you pointed out the advantages and also the dangers that come with this powerful method. Just watch out for the correct prepositions and nouns :)
AntwortenLöschenHi Jonathan
AntwortenLöschenYou give a good description of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and end up with a great personal opinion. Especially the last section is of utmost importance, as this will start a discussion.
Next to the technical comment of Bettina above, you should also start adding scientific references. The links to the websites are fine, but the content mostly is not sufficiently scientific. So rather search also in scientific repositories and cite these correctly.
Regards
Theo
Hi Johnny
AntwortenLöschenThis is another great blog entry with a high personal touch and with a great use of the English language. You can explain such a challenging topic well and understandably, even if Enghlish isn’t your mother tongue. Your blog entry clearly shows that this subject is an issue that affects you personally. Since CRISPR is such a powerful instrument, I agree with you that the ethical aspect should never be forgotten and humanity should always come before the profit. Well, I know that’s just a dream.