How CRISPR Changes Human DNA Forever

Summary

In 2011, scientists created glow-in-the-dark cats and engineered them to resist feline AIDS, showcasing the potential of genetic modification. Humans share about 90% of their DNA with cats, raising the possibility of similar interventions in people. CRISPR, a powerful gene-editing tool derived from bacterial proteins, can locate, cut, and repair genes, potentially eliminating harmful mutations. Editing embryos can produce heritable changes, but human applications remain controversial. Dr. He Jiankui sparked global debate by creating CRISPR-edited twins resistant to HIV, highlighting both the promise of disease prevention and the significant ethical and safety risks of genome editing.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 2011, scientists created glow-in-the-dark cats by inserting a gene from jellyfish into their DNA.
• 😀 The goal of the experiment was not only to create glowing cats but also to make them resistant to feline AIDS by editing their DNA.
• 😀 Humans share around 90% of our DNA with cats, raising the question of whether we can engineer humans in a similar way.
• 😀 Scientists can use gene-editing tools like CRISPR to make humans resistant to diseases, potentially eradicating harmful genetic mutations.
• 😀 CRISPR is a gene-editing tool made from proteins found in certain bacteria, which protect them from viruses.
• 😀 The CRISPR tool works by targeting specific genes, editing them, and repairing them with healthy DNA.
• 😀 Changes made through CRISPR can have lasting effects, especially when editing an embryo's DNA, as the modifications are passed down through generations.
• 😀 Dr. He Jiankui claimed to have used CRISPR to create genetically modified twins who are resistant to HIV, which shocked the scientific community.
• 😀 While CRISPR could potentially make us immune to diseases like HIV, there are risks involved, such as the accidental editing of healthy DNA or triggering cancer.
• 😀 The scientific community generally agrees that editing human embryos carries significant risks and should be approached with caution.
• 😀 While CRISPR presents enormous potential for genetic advancements, its long-term consequences, especially in humans, are still largely unknown.

Q & A

What was the purpose of creating glow-in-the-dark cats in 2011?

The glow-in-the-dark cats were initially a demonstration of genetic engineering techniques. The researchers also aimed to make cats more resistant to a feline form of AIDS by manipulating their DNA.

How similar is human DNA to cat DNA?

Humans share approximately 90% of their DNA with cats, which makes certain genetic experiments in cats relevant to understanding human genetics.

What is a CRISPR baby?

A CRISPR baby is a human whose DNA has been genetically modified using the CRISPR gene-editing tool, potentially to remove harmful mutations or introduce desirable traits.

What role do genetic mutations play in human health?

Genetic mutations are linked to at least 6,000 medical conditions, including sickle cell anemia and Huntington's disease, and can be a target for gene-editing interventions.

How does CRISPR work to edit genes?

CRISPR uses specialized proteins from bacteria that can seek out specific genes, cut them, and then allow other molecules to repair or replace the gene with healthy DNA.

Why are changes made to embryos using CRISPR significant?

Altering the DNA in an embryo affects every cell in the developing organism and can be passed on to future generations, making the changes potentially permanent.

Who is Dr. He Jiankui and what did he do?

Dr. He Jiankui is a scientist who claimed to have used CRISPR to knock out the CCR5 gene in human embryos, which is linked to HIV resistance, and then implanted them into women, resulting in the birth of genetically modified twins.

Why did Dr. He Jiankui’s work shock the scientific community?

His work shocked scientists because it involved implanting genetically edited embryos into humans, a step most researchers considered too risky and ethically controversial.

What are some potential risks of using CRISPR in humans?

Potential risks include triggering cancer, accidentally targeting healthy DNA, and unknown long-term effects, especially when editing embryos.

Can CRISPR be used to enhance human traits beyond disease prevention?

Yes, theoretically CRISPR could be used to alter traits such as height or hair loss, but this raises ethical concerns and the long-term consequences are largely unknown.

What is the CCR5 gene and why was it targeted?

The CCR5 gene encodes a protein that allows HIV to enter human cells. Knocking out this gene could make humans resistant to HIV infection.

Why have most human embryo CRISPR experiments remained in the lab?

Most experiments have remained in the lab due to ethical concerns, potential health risks, and the possibility of permanent changes being passed on to future generations.