CRISPR-Cas9, The fascinating gene-editing technology

Many people are aware of the movie, Gattaca. Gattaca was released in 1997 but it explores themes related to genetic engineering and discrimination based on genetic traits which was indeed a movie that was ahead of its time. But today, this unbelievable gene-manipulating technology exists under the name of CRISPR-Cas9.

CRISPR-Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology that enables precise modifications of DNA sequences within organisms. It was derived from the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria against viruses by a discovery in 2000 by a Spanish molecular biologist named Francisco Mojica. Many scientists have contributed to the development of this spectacular gene-editing technology, each of them striving to minimize its side effects while accurately utilizing it in human cells.

To understand the basic concept of CRISPR-Cas9, what you need to be aware of are these two words: gRNA and Cas9 enzyme. The process of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing involves designing a guide RNA that matches the DNA sequence of interest, which then guides the Cas9 enzyme to that specific location in the genome. Once there, Cas9 cuts the DNA, allowing for the introduction of desired genetic modifications, such as insertions or replacements.

CRISPR-Cas9 has rapidly become a widely used tool in biological research due to its simplicity, efficiency, and versatility. It has applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, with the potential to revolutionize treatments for genetic disorders along with cancer, develop disease-resistant crops, and engineer microorganisms for industrial purposes.

As many technologies have promising potential and advantages, they usually come with drawbacks and side effects. While CRISPR-Cas9 holds enormous potential for various applications, there are also several limitations and potential risks associated with its use. CRISPR-Cas9 has the potential to induce off-target effects, leading to unpredictable consequences, including mutations that can make the editing incomplete. Another major risk for modern biotechnology, including CRISPR-Cas9, is ethical issues. The ability to edit the human genome raises significant ethical questions, such as concerns about the potential for designer babies, widening societal inequalities, and the unforeseen long-term consequences of altering the human genome.