Can Genetic Engineering Help Us In the Fight Against COVID-19? | Neha Jarabandi | TEDxYOUTH@CHS

Summary

A ninth-grade student's biology conference experience turns into an engaging journey through CRISPR technology. The presentation covers the basics of CRISPR, its discovery, and how it can be used for genetic editing to treat diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia. The speaker also explains how CRISPR technology is being adapted to detect COVID-19 using Sherlock, a new diagnostic tool that works similarly to a pregnancy test. The talk emphasizes the power of scientific discovery, the challenges of disease research, and the hope that time and innovation will lead to solutions for both rare and common diseases.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker was excited to attend a biology conference in ninth grade because it allowed them to skip classes and enjoy free pizza.
• 😀 A student at the conference asked why scientists prioritize rare diseases over common ones, which prompted a discussion on the complexity of common diseases.
• 😀 Science is an ongoing process of discovering, testing, and innovating, especially in the age of technology, as exemplified by advancements like CRISPR.
• 😀 The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, making life more challenging, but new technologies, including vaccines, are offering hope.
• 😀 CRISPR, short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a gene-editing technology that was first discovered in 1987 by scientists studying E. coli.
• 😀 CRISPR works as a defense mechanism in bacteria, allowing them to store viral DNA and defend against future viral infections.
• 😀 CRISPR technology has been adapted to edit human genomes by using components like the Cas9 protein and guide RNA to cut, block, or replace specific DNA sequences.
• 😀 CRISPR could help cure genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease by correcting errors in DNA that lead to these conditions.
• 😀 The Sherlock technology, based on CRISPR's Cas13 protein, is a new tool for detecting diseases like COVID-19 by identifying viral RNA.
• 😀 The process of using Sherlock for COVID-19 detection is similar to a pregnancy test, where cleaved reporters provide a clear signal of infection.
• 😀 The key takeaway from the speaker's final thoughts is that time is crucial in scientific progress, and while solutions for common diseases may take time, innovation and discovery are ongoing.

Q & A

What is CRISPR and what does it do?

CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. It is a defense mechanism found in microbes that stores pieces of DNA from invading viruses. When the virus reappears, CRISPR cuts the viral DNA, protecting the microbe. In the lab, CRISPR can be used for gene editing, acting as a 'cut and paste' tool to modify genetic material in organisms.

Why do scientists focus on curing rare diseases more than common diseases?

Scientists focus on curing rare diseases because common diseases are influenced by many factors such as genetics, diet, and unknown variables. Rare diseases are often easier to target and may have a clearer genetic cause, making them more manageable for research and potential cures.

What is the role of CRISPR-Cas9 in gene editing?

CRISPR-Cas9 is used in gene editing by cutting DNA at a specific location. The Cas9 protein, guided by RNA, locates and cuts the target DNA sequence, allowing for modifications such as deactivating genes, blocking transcription, or inserting new genetic material to prevent diseases.

What is Sherlock technology and how does it detect viruses?

Sherlock technology uses a modified version of CRISPR, called Cas13, to detect viral RNA. The Cas13 protein, guided by RNA, binds to viral RNA and cleaves it, releasing reporter molecules. These reporters help identify the presence of the virus by generating a detectable signal, similar to a pregnancy test.

How is Sherlock similar to a pregnancy test?

Sherlock technology is similar to a pregnancy test because both involve detecting specific substances (viral RNA or the pregnancy hormone HCG). In Sherlock, cleaved reporters create a unique signal when the virus is detected, much like a pregnancy test showing a line to indicate pregnancy.

What is the importance of CRISPR in medical research?

CRISPR has revolutionized medical research by enabling precise gene editing. It holds potential for treating genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease by correcting mutations at the DNA level, potentially offering cures for previously untreatable conditions.

What makes Cas13 different from Cas9?

Cas13 is a cousin of Cas9, but instead of cutting DNA like Cas9, it cuts RNA. This makes Cas13 particularly useful for detecting RNA viruses, like COVID-19, as it can recognize and cleave viral RNA to identify infections quickly.

How does the amplification of RNA in Sherlock technology work?

In Sherlock technology, researchers first amplify the RNA from a sample to increase its levels, making it easier to detect. They then add reporters that react to the activity of Cas13 when it cleaves viral RNA, providing a signal that indicates whether the virus is present.

What challenges does the world face with COVID-19 testing?

One of the major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic has been the lack of widespread testing and contract tracers. This has made it difficult to quickly identify and isolate infected individuals, slowing efforts to control the spread of the virus.

How did CRISPR lead to the development of faster COVID-19 tests?

CRISPR led to the development of faster COVID-19 tests by utilizing the Cas13 protein, which detects viral RNA. By incorporating this technology into a rapid testing format, scientists created a cheaper and quicker way to detect COVID-19, potentially improving response times and helping control the pandemic more effectively.