Jennifer Doudna, a pioneer of genetic modification using the CRISPR Cas9 technique, told Bloomberg what modified babies would arrive in the next 25 years. The winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry commented that the advance in research and technological development would make it possible to happen in the next two decades.
“For the next 25 years, it’s completely possible. When I think back to 25 years ago and how much progress has been made, it’s extraordinary,” Doudna said. “I don’t imagine things are going to slow down from here, so it’s probably a very real possibility,” he stated.
The American biochemist pointed out that it often takes decades for a new technology to impact research or real applications. The CRISPR has achieved it in ten years, even the initial perception of genetic modification has changed.
Genetic modification generates controversy
The use of the CRISPR/Cas9 tool in editing genetic material began in 2015, when Chinese researchers modified the DNA of embryos to alter the genomic mutation that caused thalassemia. The set came from an assisted reproduction clinic and were never implanted in a uterus to continue the pregnancy.
Subsequently, American scientists used genetic modification to change the DNA of large numbers of zygotes. Shoukhrat Mitalipov, who had previously cloned human embryonic stem cells, edited embryos to remove the genetic alteration linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
China did not stay there and years later announced that the CRISPR technique was used in the genetic modification of two babies: the twins Lulu and Nana. According to Dr. He Jiankui, the scientist responsible for the project, the researchers edited the CCR5 gene to make babies resistant to HIVcholera or smallpox.
The topic caused controversy in the scientific communitywho wondered if Dr. Jiankui and his group of researchers exceeded ethical limits.
How is DNA edited using CRISPR Cas9?
The CRISPR Cas9 genetic modification technique was adapted from a natural system that bacteria use when infected with a virus.
In it, bacteria capture bits of the virus’s DNA and insert them into their own using a pattern known as a CRISPR array. When the virus strikes again, the bacteria use this information to make RNA and use the enzyme Cas9 to separate the DNA and deactivate the virus.
Francis Mojica, a professor at the University of Alicante and a crucial person in the discovery of CRISPR Cas9, explained to hypertextual how DNA is edited using this technique.
When you cut DNA with this Cas9 protein, what is done is to recruit cell repair systems in that place where you made the cut that allow you to rewrite that information, modify it, insert more information, remove it, replace it with another, even moving information from one site to another.
This is normally done by the repair systems of the cell itself, what CRISPR Cas9 would do is mark the repair systems where they have to go. And this is the repair system that we can take advantage of to rewrite the genetic material.
The future of this technology and its ethical component
Although there is still resistance, things seem to have eased. According to Jennifer Doudna, currently there is no concern that genetic modification is an immediate threat of some kind.
After organizing an international summit, the pioneer of CRISPR Cas9 said that there is more and more comfort in the experimental use of this technique. Doudna indicated that in the coming years will be used for diagnostic and preventive medicine.
“I envision a future where they sequence your DNA, identify the APOE4 allele that makes us susceptible to Alzheimer’s, and can use CRISPR to invert the switch and go back to an allele that protects you against Alzheimer’s,” he said.
The CRISPR-based therapies to fight diseases have been effective. The most recent has to do with sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia, two disorders that can cause death. A study published in 2020 showed positive results after subjecting two patients to gene editing therapy to cure their disease.
The advancement of technology would lead to genetic modification of embryosTherefore, several factors must be considered. Doudna mentioned that it must be defined how it will be done, how it will be controlled, and perhaps most importantly: how will it be regulated.
Genome editing has been limited in somatic cells, and its use in egg cells and sperm raises concern. Genetic modification in germ line cells would be passed on to future generations. Ethical and regulatory guidelines should be established before creating humans straight out of a science fiction book or movie.