Collaborative Research Project

Background

  • CRISPR-Cas9 is a newer technology that enables geneticists and researchers to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding, or modifying sections of the DNA sequence. It is currently the most simplistic, versatile, and accurate method of genetic manipulation on the market now.
    • CRISPR, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, are abnormal strands of repeating DNA sequences that can be found in the DNA of prokaryotes, such as bacteria.
  • Francisco Mojica was the first researcher to identify what is now called a CRISPR locus, reported in 1993.
  • CRISPR was first utilized in 2007 by Philippe Horvath to stop phage attacks in dairy production. 
  • In 2008, Luciano Marraffini and Erik Sontheimer discovered that CRISPR targets DNA not RNA, realizing it could be a good tool if used on systems greater than bacteria.

Broad Institute. CRISPR timeline. (2018, December 7). Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/crispr-timeline. 

How is CRISPR Used Today?

  • CRISPR has been used to remove malaria from mosquitoes.
  • CRISPR-based platforms have been created to spot the genes that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers, leading to new treatments.
  • CRISPR can modify T cells to make them better at identifying and attacking cancer cells.
  • CRISPR has been successful in removing HIV’s DNA from a patient’s genome.  

Crawford, M. (2017, May 31). 8 ways CRISPR-Cas9 can change the world. ASME. Retrieved November 9, 2021, from https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/8-ways-crisprcas9-can-change-world. 

Cons of Genetic Engineering

  • Because CRISPR is easy and cheap to use, if put in the hands of the wrong organization, it can be used as a weapon of biowarfare.
  • Unwanted mutations can be created and passed down generations.
  • The baby whose genes are being edited does not give consent to these modifications and can later develop insecurities surrounding their parents’ image of them not being good enough.
  • CRISPR can create a marked gap in society of designer babies vs. regular babies on top of the already marked gap between races created by America’s caste system.
  • There could be other genetic changes that CRISPR causes that our current technology cannot detect. These changes could lead to issues like antibiotic resistance that can pass down generations.

Licholai, G. (2018, August 21). Is CRISPR Worth the risk? Yale Insights. Retrieved November 26, 2021, from https://insights.som.yale.edu/insights/is-crispr-worth-the-risk.