The applications and ethics of gene editing

Biotechnology and genetic engineering have come a long way. In terms of gene editing, the words of Nobel laureate Sydney Brenner could not be more true: "Scientific progress depends on new techniques, new discoveries and new ideas, probably in that order." Applications Gene editing encompasses many sectors, including that of health and food. . In order to implement the desired change, gene editing refers to specific intentional changes in the DNA sequence of a cell.

These changes can range from significant deletions to simple insertion of base pairs. Appeared for the first time in the 1980s, this pet peeve of genetic engineering engineers relies on DNA cleavage enzymes, called nucleases, as well as on the repair mechanism of the DNA. DNA from these cells. Even today, the overall strategy remains coherent, however, it is now improved with more efficiency and specificity multiplied by more.

The three most popular gene editing strategies currently include short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) in evenly spaced clusters, as well as the Cas9 protein, transcriptional activator-like nucleases (TALENs), and finger nucleases. of zinc.

Since 2012, the advent of CRISPR-CAS9 technology has made mounting genomes more "user-friendly" and significantly less cumbersome. However, ethical debates continue to overshadow the editing of the genome.

Without a doubt, clinical therapies and global food products will benefit the most from gene editing. This article discusses concerns about gene editing, as well as its impact on each of these areas, step by step, in the following sections. Before evaluating the positive and negative aspects of gene editing, however, it is essential to keep in mind that current gene editing products are significantly different from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that are regularly debated – and often opposed .

Transgenes of viruses or bacteria are carried by conventional GMOs. On the other hand, genetically modified organisms do not contain any components derived from viruses, bacteria or other species. This is possible because the nucleases used in gene editing are not conserved in the cells once the work is done.

Gene editing applications: crops and livestock

With regard to agriculture, there is already a global shortage of food products. Due to uncertain water supplies and climate change, the situation should only worsen. Therefore, it is essential that we can generate crops with greater resistance to cold, drought, parasites and other infectious agents.

Particularly because of the large amount of meat consumed worldwide, livestock are essential to farming practices. Increasing the amount of lean muscle in animals is a primary goal when modifying livestock genes, as it makes them more valuable for consumption. One of the main advantages of gene editing compared to conventional breeding strategies is that it is able to modify the genome of an entire generation at one time. This results in the desired change in each population while saving a lot of time.

However, it is essential to ensure that no highly invasive species of culture is created, which could have a negative impact on the environment. In the meantime, it remains to be seen whether livestock and gene-modified crops could be better accepted than GMOs in society.

Gene Editing Applications: Clinical Therapies

The area in which the impact of gene editing is felt most directly is that of clinics. Therefore, it is the most frequently discussed topic regarding the positive and negative aspects of gene editing processes. Gene therapy has the potential to correct a number of genetic disorders, including Huntington's disease, sickle cell disease and muscular dystrophy.

Although most gene editing strategies in clinical settings use ex vivo approaches, there are diseases that do not lend themselves to these practices. In these cases, it is necessary to use in vivo delivery of gene editing tools. In exceptional cases, such as cases where expectant parents have an increased risk of childbirth with debilitating genetic disorders, it may be necessary to consider altering the germ line or embryo.

The modification of the sex gametes, called modification of the germ line, allows the complete elimination of the diseased gene from the line. This prevents transmission to future generations. Modification of the embryos could also eliminate the diseased gene from the entire organism, including its germ line. Since 2017, we are able to genetically modify human embryos. However, does the fact that we can edit human embryos mean that we should do it?

Ethical debate

It is here that the societal and ethical debates surrounding gene editing applications must take place. How to decide which cases warrant an edition of embryo or germ line? Who decides online for in vivo against ex vivo therapy? It can certainly be argued that gene editing should be allowed for devastating genetic diseases such as Huntington's disease. But what about people with less severe disabilities, such as hereditary blindness / deafness or dwarfism?

There are also many concerns about those seeking to modify non-pathological human traits and to genetically improve humans for aesthetic purposes. People can begin to choose genetic means rather than plastic surgery to permanently improve their esthetics. It is possible to imagine a scenario in which having less "attractive" physical characteristics could cause mental distress and justify aesthetic improvement.

Finally, should we, or should we not, edit the genomes? Although the technical capacity to do so exists, scientists still need to discuss and address the ethics of editing and the safety of the organism in question, as well as the potential impact of this genetic modification on the environment. Around the world, regulators specify with strict rules and guidelines genetic diseases that may or may not require modification of a gene. Who is allowed to access this technology should also be determined. Would it be available on the market, so that only the rich can afford it? or would poor populations and tribes have access, for whom devastating genetic diseases might be more prevalent? It is essential that these crucial decisions are made from a humanitarian perspective rather than a company-driven marketing strategy.

From a technological point of view, discoveries and unprecedented inventions improving gene editing are underway. The only thing that prevents us now is our imagination. Soon, gene editing technology with little or no side effects will be available. Therefore, the ethical burden of this technology needs to be discussed now in order to move towards a better and healthier future.

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