CRISPR, also known as CRISPR/Cas9, is a gene-editing technology used to delete, add, or alter specific regions of DNA. The system has applications in human medicine as well as other fields, including animal and plant science.
What Are the Parts of CRISPR?
The two parts of the CRISPR/Cas9 system are the enzyme Cas9 and a section of RNA. Cas9 is derived from bacteria that use the enzyme to cut out the DNA of viruses that have been inserted into their genomes. Cas9 finds this DNA with the help of CRISPR sequences that serve as references for what the viral DNA will look like when encountered. Scientists have taken the enzyme and attached synthetic pieces of RNA that serve the same purpose as the CRISPR sequences. This RNA, referred to as guide RNA, can be modified to change Cas9’s DNA target.
How Does It Work?
Once the DNA sequence of interest is recognized with the help of guide RNA and the sequence is cut using the Cas9 enzyme, scientists use the DNA repair mechanisms of cells to permanently change the sequence. In humans, this is primarily being done in cells that are not sperm or egg.
What Could Go Wrong?
Currently, valid concerns are being raised about the system’s accuracy. Studies have shown that when the guide RNA sequence is too long, the chances of the wrong DNA sequence being cut increase. However, when the guide RNA sequence is too short, these chances increase once again.
Some are also worried that the widespread usage of CRISPR/Cas9 technology could result in increased wealth disparity as it is likely that only the wealthy will be able to afford the treatment. There are also concerns about consent due to the fact that future generations may be affected involuntarily by the use of the technology. In spite of these issues, CRISPR/Cas9 has the potential to be used effectively in the treatment of a variety of genetic diseases that can be either fatal or detrimental to a person’s quality of life. It is to be seen whether ethical and safety concerns can be resolved in order to use the system in such ways.
