I Genetically Engineered *MYSELF* to Fix Lactose Intolerance

Summary

This video documents a personal journey to combat lactose intolerance through DIY gene therapy. The creator, once severely affected by lactose, explains the science behind lactose digestion and the enzyme lactase. They detail the process of using an adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver a lactase gene to the intestinal tract, successfully restoring their lactose tolerance. The video provides a transparent look into the lab work, the challenges faced, and the successful consumption of dairy products post-treatment, promising a future of enjoying pizza without fear.

Takeaways

• 😷 The speaker became lactose intolerant at 15, leading to severe illness from consuming lactose.
• 🌐 Up to 65% of the world's population may lose the ability to digest lactose, causing various symptoms.
• 🍽️ Lactose is prevalent in many foods, often as a filler or sweetener, due to the dairy industry's by-products.
• 🔬 The speaker's personal struggle with lactose intolerance inspired a career in biology, aiming to restore their own lactose tolerance.
• 🧬 Lactose intolerance occurs when the body stops producing lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose into glucose and galactose.
• 🐁 A study mentioned used a virus to deliver a working copy of the lactase gene to lactose-intolerant rats, successfully restoring their lactose digestion.
• 🌟 Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are preferred for gene therapy due to their safety and reliability.
• 🧪 The process of creating a virus for gene therapy involves using plasmids and cells in a lab, with careful handling to ensure sterility.
• 💊 The speaker's DIY gene therapy project aimed to create a treatment in pill form to restore lactose tolerance.
• 🍕 After testing the treatment, the speaker was able to consume dairy products without symptoms, marking a successful initial result.

Q & A

What is the main issue the speaker discusses in the script?

The speaker discusses their personal struggle with lactose intolerance and their journey to develop a DIY gene therapy to restore their lactose tolerance.

What is the percentage of the human population that may become lactose intolerant at some point?

Up to 65% of the human population may become lactose intolerant at some point.

What is lactose and why is it problematic for lactose intolerant individuals?

Lactose is a disaccharide composed of glucose and galactose subunits. It is problematic for lactose intolerant individuals because they lack the lactase enzyme to break it down, leading to gastrointestinal issues when consuming lactose-containing foods.

What is the role of the lactase enzyme in digestion?

The lactase enzyme, also known as beta-galactosidase, breaks down lactose into its subunits, glucose and galactose, which can then be absorbed by the body for energy.

Why is the adeno-associated virus (AAV) considered the gold standard for gene therapy?

The AAV is considered the gold standard for gene therapy due to its reliability, long history of safety, and its ability to merge with human DNA in very safe and well-known locations.

What is the purpose of the ITRs in the context of the virus production?

ITRs, or inverted terminal repeats, are DNA sequences that signal the virus to package the DNA sequence between them into its shell during virus particle formation.

What are plasmids and how are they used in this project?

Plasmids are small circles of DNA engineered by biologists to contain useful features. In this project, they are used to hold the DNA sequences for the virus shell proteins and the Lac Z gene, which is the target gene for restoring lactose tolerance.

How does the speaker plan to test the effectiveness of the gene therapy?

The speaker plans to test the effectiveness of the gene therapy by using a color-changing dye called X-Gal, which turns blue in the presence of the lactase enzyme, indicating that the cells are producing the enzyme.

What is the significance of the speaker's successful consumption of pizza after the treatment?

The successful consumption of pizza, which is high in lactose, without experiencing symptoms of lactose intolerance, signifies that the DIY gene therapy may have successfully restored the speaker's lactose tolerance.

What is the next step for the speaker in terms of this project?

The next step for the speaker is to continue testing and refining the treatment, monitoring its long-term effects, and potentially sharing updates on the project's progress.