What if we had the data and means to delete the genes that cause illnesses like cancer? Genome editing is a method for making specific changes to the DNA of a cell or organism. It can be used to add, remove, or alter DNA in the genome. In short, we can potentially treat genetic and life-threatening diseases.
CRISPR
In January 2018, NIH launched the Somatic Cell Genome Editing research program. According to NIH Director Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., the goal “is to dramatically accelerate the translation of these technologies to the clinic for treatment of as many genetic diseases as possible.” One tool genome editing possible, CRISPR or “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” is a technology that scientists use to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms. This is currently considered one of the most efficient solutions.
Excited to share our latest @PlantBiotechJ article! We've developed a #miniature_genome_editor for plants using #TnpB nuclease. It's only 1/3rd the size of #Cas9/Cas12a and can access genomic loci that Cas9 can't reach.https://t.co/I4mWqffHOD
1/2#CRISPR #GenomeEditing pic.twitter.com/4fJcZbj2kg— Kutub (@Kutub_joy) June 29, 2024
The CRISPR–Cas9 system has been beneficial in the medical field as it helps cure life-threatening diseases as well as detect coronavirus. It cuts a DNA sequence at a specific genetic location and, from there, it either deletes or insertes DNA sequences. As genome editing is done in the body’s somatic cells, the non-productive cells, it’s also referred to as somatic cell genome editing.
Bridge RNA
There’s also another developing study on gene editing called Bridge RNA or “bridge editing”. Compared to CRISPR, Bridge RNA will allow genome editing on a larger scale as it binds two DNA together. According to the researchers, it “contains two internal loops encoding nucleotide stretches that base-pair with the target DNA and the donor DNA, which is the IS110 element itself.” While CRISPR targets the component that causes genetic diseases, “bridge editing” could possibly cut and paste larger segments of the DNA into any genomic target sites.
https://twitter.com/arcinstitute/status/1805980795963855126
So far, Bridge RNA has only been tested on bacteria and done on test tubes. Whether the same procedure can be conducted on humans remains to be seen. If successful, it could provide medical breakthroughs and improve our way of living. That means we may see a future wherein infectious diseases and other viruses can be genetically nipped in the bud.
Apart from that, gene editing can have a positive impact on agriculture. It can help crops breed faster, leading to a more sustainable way of farming. Who knows, gene editing may even give way to reviving extinct species. With medical and technological advances emerging every day, it’s only a matter of time before future discoveries and new treatment methods are introduced and practiced.
Photo credit: The feature image is symbolic and has been made by Sangharsh Lohakare.
Sources: World Health Organization / National Institute of Health / National Human Genome Research Institute / National Institute of Health / Nature
