CRISPR and Gene Editing Technology

Introduction

Gene editing is a group of technologies that give a scientist the ability to alter an organisms existing genome. This type of technology exhibits a rather revolutionary way of manipulating genes that can have a wide variety of clinical and therapeutic applications.  CRISPR technology stands for a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats and it was originally discovered through studying adaptive immune responses in bacterial models. CRISPR is a type of genome editing naturally occurring in these types of bacteria. Today, scientists are utilizing this template to modify and edit strands of DNA in living organisms. This means that CRISPR technology is a type of gene editing, a revolutionary way of manipulating genes that can have a wide variety of clinical and therapeutic applications. Some examples of applications include treatments for blindness and certain cancers, and could even be used to create rapid disease testing like for Covid-19 (Science & Tech Spotlight: CRISPR Gene Editing, 2020).

Connection To STS 

Gene editing technology has a very notable connection to STS alongside its potential of treating a wide variety of diseases and drastically improving patient outcomes. Gene editing enables precise modifications of genetic material, but also raises significant societal and ethical considerations. CRISPR-cas9 houses potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology, offering solutions to genetic disorders and enhancing crop resilience. However, these benefits come with challenges, like unintended genetic mutations and ethical dilemmas surrounding germline editing (Janik et. al 2020). Recent use of CRISPR in human embryos has sparked both optimism for medical advancements and ethical debates about germline modifications and their long-term societal impacts. Especially when using gene editing technology on humans, there is a need for robust regulation and ethical guidelines to navigate the consequences that may come with altering the human genome. gene editing technologies like CRISPR are not just scientific tools but also social constructs that reflect and shape societal values and norms. The development and application of these technologies are influenced by cultural, political, and economic factors, which in turn affect public perception and policy-making.  Socially, the technology could exacerbate existing inequalities if access to gene editing is limited to those with significant resources. This could lead to a scenario where only the wealthy can afford genetic enhancements, potentially creating a new class of genetically privileged individuals (Sargent et al., 2017). CRISPR-cas9 and other gene editing technologies have the potential to revolutionize disease therapy and drastically improve patient outcomes, but many ethical considerations must be taken in order to ensure safety and efficacy.

Understanding CRISPR Technology

In 1987, CRISPR Technology was discovered in the immune system of archaeal genomes as a form of natural adaptation to defending microbes from bacteriophage infection (Ishino 2018). Another repeat genomic sequence was discovered in Haloferax mediterranei in 1993. Studies in the 2000s concluded that the CRISPR-Cas (CRISPR-associated) system gave immunity against bacteriophages through spacer sequence observations. It is believed that CRISPR models applied to humans and other organisms can be used to target viral infections.

At the core of CRISPR technology lies the CRISPR-Cas9 system, which is the tool derived from a bacterial immune system. The system contains the Cas-9 enzyme and a strand of guide-RNA, more commonly known as gRNA. The molecular guide, gRNA, directs the Cas-9 enzyme towards the target molecular strand of DNA. Once at the target location on the DNA strand, the enzyme essentially acts as a pair of molecular scissors and cuts the desired strand. This allows scientists and researchers to effectively delete, insert, or modify a specific strand of DNA, virtually acting as a natural DNA editing tool.

Figure 1: CRISPR depicted as the “molecular scissors for gene editing”

Applications in Disease Therapy

CRISPR has the potential to treat a wide range of diseases, from rare genetic conditions to more common ailments like cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Utilizing the defense mechanism of observed bacterial immune systems, CRISPR can create new pathways of engineered microorganisms for disease therapy.  It allows for permanent modification of a genomic target sequence that could potentially repair DNA damage (Rodriguez-Rodriguez 2019). The creation of such can be manipulated to induce certain responses in programmed mutation. CRISPR can have applications in metabolic engineering, disease therapy, agriculture, and biomedical sciences. With the recent Covid-19 outbreak, CRISPR can be applied to Covid testing and treatment. Much of CRISPR’s popularity comes from its high effectiveness and success rates. It is a form of genome editing that does not cause lethality to any organism.

In humans, gene editing technologies,  allow for precise modifications to DNA, which can be used to correct genetic mutations responsible for various diseases. Some of these diseases include sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and hemophilia. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, that causes the production of thick mucus that can clog the lungs and obstruct the pancreas. CRISPR technology has shown the ability to correct these mutations by targeting and repairing the defective CFTR gene. Research has been done with this disease and CRISPR that would allow for a one time, permanent solution (Maeder & Gersbach, 2016; U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d). Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the genes responsible for blood clotting factors. CRISPR has been used to target and correct these mutations, specifically in hemophilia B, which is caused by a deficiency in factor IX. Gene editing can potentially provide a long-term solution by permanently correcting the genetic defect, which then reduces or eliminates the need for regular clotting factor infusions (Maeder & Gersbach, 2016; U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d).Sickle Cell Disease is a condition that  is characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, leading to the formation of rigid, sickle-shaped red blood cells that can block blood flow and cause severe pain and organ damage. CRISPR has been used to edit the genes in hematopoietic stem cells to produce normal hemoglobin, offering a potential cure for this debilitating disease. Clinical trials that have been conducted have shown promising results, with patients experiencing significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life (Maeder & Gersbach, 2016; U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d). Advancements, such as these three, highlight the potential of CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies in treating genetic disorders that were previously considered incurable by medical professionals.

Gene editing technologies, like CRISPR,  are headed for some further clinical trials. These trials will consist of ex vivo experimental testing, a way of testing a patient’s cells outside of the patient’s body. This is opposite of in vivo testing, which takes place within the patient. This will allow a safer form of testing that will not result in any unintended consequences like off-target editing. It ensures that the gRNA will guide the enzyme to splice the correct location on the DNA strand before reintroduction into the patient’s body (Hirakawa 2020). Further translation from lab bench experiments into a more clinical setting is needed to fully realize CRISPR as a substantial form of disease therapy.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

With CRISPR being at the forefront of genome editing, it is no surprise that it raises ethical questions since it is an advanced form of biotechnology. Gene editing can have consequences such as unintentional changes in the genome. Other issues that groups point to are “designer babies” with enhanced genetic traits as potential unethical outcomes of this technology.  Likewise, the ethical considerations extend to the potential for CRISPR to be used for non-therapeutic enhancements, such as selecting for favorable traits like higher intelligence or physical appearance (de Lecuona et al., 2017). There are also environmental concerns as gene editing could disrupt the natural selective pathway all organisms have taken to survive. Worldwide legislation must be unanimously agreed upon regarding the growth of gene editing technology in order for it to be used for only the betterment of the human race (Ayanoglu 2020). Additionally, the use of CRISPR in human embryos raises profound questions about the moral status of embryos and the implications of germline modifications, which are changes that can be passed on to future generations. This has led to debates about the long-term impact on the human gene pool. The American Medical Association’s Code of Ethics highlights that germline manipulation could result in “unpredictable and irreversible results that adversely affect the welfare of subsequent generations” (Sargent, Johnson, & Sarata, 2017).

CRISPR Technology has several limitations that may prevent its immediate commercialization. These limitations include immunotoxicity, DNA Damage/Apoptosis, or off -target effects. A common problem with CRISPR technology is specifically the off-target effect, which is when the Cas-9 enzyme cleaves a different site on the DNA strand than intended. After sufficient investigation, researchers suggest that the amount of gRNA and Cas-9 must be optimized and proportionate, and must be completed through direct delivery (Joshi 2024). This will ensure that the system is not thrown out of balance and will only target the intended sequence. The ethical considerations and technological challenges present many hurdles for CRISPR to overcome in order for it to be fully realized in a clinical setting.

Figure 2: Visual Depicting Mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 System

Conclusion

CRISPR gene editing is extremely new and use of this technology must be approached pre-cautiously.. It represents a groundbreaking advancement in the field of gene editing, offering unprecedented precision and efficiency in targeting specific genes. Its potential to revolutionize disease therapy cannot be overstated. A lot of research studies at this point can have conflicting evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Current and accepted information could be subject to change in the coming years as research is ongoing. And it goes without saying that grounded ethical guidelines must be established to further the technology. The responsible use of CRISPR technology is paramount, and ethical considerations must guide its application. With continued dedication and ethical vigilance, CRISPR technology has the ability to usher in a new era of personalized medicine, where genetic disorders or diseases are no longer a barrier to health and well-being.

References

Image Sources

“Science illustration show CRISPR – Cas 9 work for cut and edit DNA genetic sequence as novel technique of molecular engineering.” by trinset on Adobe Stock.

“Illustration depicting CRISPR molecular scissors for gene editing.” by TopMicrobialStock on Adobe Stock.

AI Acknowledgement

ChatGPT was used by Andrew for the Conclusion Section. The following prompt was used:

Write a conclusion paragraph to an essay about CRISPR technology using these guidelines:
–  Summarize the key points discussed, emphasizing the potential of CRISPR technology in gene editing and disease therapy.
– Emphasize the importance of ongoing research and ethical considerations in harnessing the full potential of CRISPR.
– Conclude with a hopeful outlook for the future of CRISPR technology and its potential to transform healthcare and improve patient outcomes.

Copilot was used to to generate ideas for the Connection to STS portion of the chapter. Kylie sent all of her sources to Copilot and asked for a paragraph relating STS to gene editing technology. It sent an abundance of sentences. Some of which were completely discarded, while others were edited or rearranged prior to inserting them into the chapter.

Copilot was used for a portion of the first paragraph of the Ethical Considerations and challenges portion. This prompt was used :Write a few sentences relating gene editing technology to STS using information from this source, include APA in text citations Sargent , J. F., Johnson , J. A., & Sarata, A. K. (2017, September 12). CRISPR Gene Editing Research in Embryos Generates Scientific and Ethics Debate. Congress.go. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IN/IN10773/9. Copilot included several sentences about the ethics of gene editing, which were then altered, added onto, and rearranged prior to their use within this chapter.