The Genetic Breakthrough Of Crispr- How It Has The Potential To Change Humanity Forever

The four letters A, C, T and G represent the molecules that form our deoxyribonucleic acid, which modifies who we are from the moment of conception. Only 66 years ago, Watson and Crick discovered the complex structure of DNA, and for just over a decade, we have known all the letters in our DNA, and despite discovering small genetic adaptions to deleterious mutations, such as Alzheimer s disease, only now have we found a method to directly edit DNA. Less than half a century ago, it was believed computers would take over everything, such as shopping and the stock market. Similarly, CRISPR-Cas 9 has the potential to change all of humanity forever.

CRISPR is the acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats . Put simply, scientists recognise the genome causing the health problem, to be able to create a specific guide-RNA, which is then attached to the DNA cutting enzyme, Cas 9, and finally introduced to the target cells. It locates the target letter sequence and cuts the DNA. Then, scientists edit the existing genome by modifying, deleting, or inserting new sequences, similar to the way we use spell check on Microsoft Word, for example. Whilst CRISPR has not only been able to shrink tumours in mice carrying human prostate cancer and liver cancer cells, it has also been able to cure HIV from a living organism, proving how successful this tool has already been.

Additionally, the system has the ability for editing reproductive/germline cells which could be remarkably beneficial for discovering diseases at an early stage. This would mean any changes made in the cells, will be passed on from generation to generation. It is hugely controversial, more so than genome editing in somatic cells, (any cell of a living organism other than reproductive cells) which is ethically accepted due to the balance between benefits and risks. Whereas, editing germline cells brings up many ethical challenges. One issue is that consent can easily be asked from an adult about making changes, but this is not the case with an embryo or its future offspring. Therefore, how can we justly, even attempt, editing these genomes, whilst it remains non-consensual and will most probably genetically alter all embryos from then on? The most significant argument of using CRISPR on embryos, carried on from the first problem is, where do the changes stop? In other words, would it be permissible to enhance normal human traits, e.g. height, hair colour or intelligence? Although it gives freedom of being able to choose brown hair and blue eyes, is it right to choose the appearance of a human? Unfortunately, there is not a yes or no answer when asking if it is acceptable to make changes to the cells however, it must essentially come down to opinions as well as sometimes accepting risks have to be made, to be able to see the benefits.

Whilst CRISPR does bring controversial conversations to the table, it is certainly one of the first revolutions to genetic engineering. At the same time, there is still so much knowledge about this technology that we don t know about and it requires being careful as it could eventually lead to the extinction of species, if not taken care of properly. Although gene editing in reproductive cells is currently illegal in the UK and many other countries, it will most likely only be a few years until it is started to be routinely used on humans. Presently, there is nothing stopping scientists in countries such as China, editing embryos, therefore, in a couple of centuries, it is more than likely for designer babies to be created using this method. Overtime, CRISPR will develop all over the world and not only change the humans on the planet but also the environment, consequently, changing humanity forever.