Understanding Gene Editing with CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
Explore the fascinating world of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology through sessions led by experts like Roy Campbell and Howard Robinson. Delve into the working of gene editing, the CRISPR system, and the role of Cas9 enzyme. Learn about CRISPR's origin in prokaryotic organisms and its potential for revolutionary DNA modification. Discover the future implications of CRISPR technology presented by pioneer Jennifer Doudna. Uncover how CRISPR sequences and Cas9 collaborate in precise DNA editing, marking a disruptive innovation in genetic engineering.
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Disruptive Innovation and Technology Roy Campbell Session 3: CRISPR/Cas9 How does Gene Ediiting Work? Discussion Week 4 assignment
Howard Robinson Introduction to CRISPR/Cas9
A brief but spectacular take on the future of CRISPR: Jennifer Doudna A brief but spectacular take on the future of CRISPR https://www.pbs. org/newshour/sh ow/a-brief-but- spectacular-take- on-the-future-of- crispr
CRISPR system from Streptococcus pyogenes relies on the protein Cas9 https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=CRISPR+Gene+Editing+powerpoint&docid=603543553379799484&mid =F6B8F00C37F0A60170C0F6B8F00C37F0A60170C0&view=detail&FORM=VIRE CRISPR Decoded (Scientific American. 4.55) https://youtu.be/r8zRNHBijYY CRISPR Gene editing and beyond (Nature, 4.32) https://youtu.be/r8zRNHBijYY
CRISPR: Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats A family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. A prokaryote is a single-celled organism (Bacteria and Archaea) that lacks a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. CRISPR sequences are derived from DNA fragments of bacteriophages that had previously infected the prokaryote. (They are used to detect and destroy DNA from similar bacteriophages during subsequent infections.) A bacteriophage is a duplodnaviria virus that infects and replicates within bacteria and archaea.
Cas9 ("CRISPR-associated protein 9") An enzyme that uses CRISPR sequences as a guide to recognize and cleave specific strands of DNA that are complementary to the CRISPR sequence.
1. John Knoblett: Is CRISPR a disruptive technology? Chatbot: Yes, CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is considered a disruptive technology. CRISPR technology allows for precise and efficient gene editing by cutting and modifying specific sequences of DNA. This has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology by enabling scientists to create genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with desirable traits, or to cure genetic diseases by editing out faulty genes.
2. John Knoblett: Is CRISPR ? However, the use of CRISPR also raises ethical concerns, such as the potential for unintended consequences or the creation of genetically modified organisms that could have unforeseen ecological effects. These concerns have led to calls for careful regulation and oversight of CRISPR research and development. Overall, while CRISPR has the potential to be a game-changer in many fields, it is important to proceed with caution and consider the potential implications and ethical considerations associated with this technology.
3. John Knoblett: Could you explain the ethical and social issues of CRISPR in more detail? ChatBOT: The potential ethical and social issues of CRISPR include: 1. Safety concerns: CRISPR gene editing can result in unintended consequences, such as off-target mutations or unexpected gene interactions, which can have negative effects on the organism being edited. These unintended effects could be especially dangerous when applied to humans. 2. Unequal access to gene editing: As with many new medical technologies, there is a concern that CRISPR could create disparities in access to healthcare. Wealthy individuals and nations might have greater access to CRISPR gene editing, leading to further inequality in healthcare. 3. Slippery slope towards eugenics: There are concerns that the use of CRISPR could lead to eugenics, where individuals or society at large seek to selectively breed or edit out traits deemed undesirable. This could lead to discrimination against those who do not meet certain physical or cognitive standards.
4. John Knoblett: Could you explain ? 4. Long-term consequences on biodiversity: The use of CRISPR in agriculture and ecology could have long-term effects on biodiversity, as genetically modified organisms are introduced into ecosystems. There is a potential risk of altering ecosystems in ways that have unforeseen consequences. 5. Informed consent: If CRISPR is applied to humans, there is a concern that informed consent could be compromised. The complexity of the technology may make it difficult for patients to fully understand the risks and benefits of gene editing, potentially leading to uninformed consent. 6. Implications on cultural and religious beliefs: CRISPR gene editing has the potential to challenge cultural and religious beliefs about the sanctity of life and naturalness of the human genome. These ethical and social issues highlight the importance of careful regulation and oversight of CRISPR research and development, as well as the need for ongoing dialogue and engagement with stakeholders in science, medicine, and society as a whole.
5. John Knoblett: Which industries feel most threatened by CRISPR? ChatBOT CRISPR has the potential to disrupt several industries, particularly those that rely on genetic engineering, biotechnology, or traditional breeding methods. Some of the industries that could be threatened by CRISPR include: 1. Agriculture: CRISPR could revolutionize the agricultural industry by enabling the creation of crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors. This could reduce the need for pesticides and increase crop yields, which could disrupt the market for traditional pesticides and genetically modified crops. 2. Pharmaceuticals: CRISPR could be used to develop new treatments for genetic diseases and cancers. This could disrupt the pharmaceutical industry by reducing the need for traditional drug development methods.
6. John Knoblett: Which industries ? 3. Biotechnology: CRISPR could be used to create new biofuels and other bioproducts, which could disrupt the market for traditional fossil fuels and petrochemicals. 4. Livestock breeding: CRISPR could be used to create animals with desirable traits, such as resistance to disease or improved meat quality. This could disrupt the market for traditional breeding methods. Overall, CRISPR has the potential to create new markets and disrupt existing ones, particularly in industries that rely on genetic engineering or traditional breeding methods. However, it is also important to consider the potential ethical and social implications of these changes.
7. John Knoblett: Which fields of study see the most potential in CRISPR ? ChatBOT CRISPR technology has the potential to revolutionize several fields of study, particularly those related to genetics and biotechnology. Some of the fields that see the most potential in CRISPR include: 1. Medicine: CRISPR has the potential to transform the way we treat genetic diseases, by allowing scientists to target and modify specific genes responsible for these diseases. This could lead to new treatments and potentially even cures for a wide range of genetic disorders. 2. Agriculture: CRISPR could be used to create crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors, as well as to develop new plant varieties with improved nutritional content or other desirable traits.
8. John Knoblett: Which fields of study see the most potential in CRISPR ? 3. Biotechnology: CRISPR has already been used to create new bioproducts, such as biofuels and bioplastics. It also has the potential to be used in a wide range of other applications, such as in the production of industrial enzymes or other chemicals. 4. Ecology: CRISPR could be used to help protect threatened or endangered species by modifying their genomes to make them more resistant to environmental stressors or disease. 5. Basic research: CRISPR has also opened up new avenues for basic research in genetics, by allowing scientists to more easily study the functions of specific genes and the effects of gene mutations. Overall, CRISPR has the potential to transform several fields of study, by enabling precise and efficient gene editing and creating new opportunities for scientific discovery and innovation.
9. John Knoblett: What else should I know about CRISPR? ChatBOT 1. CRISPR is a relatively new technology: While the underlying mechanisms of CRISPR were discovered in the late 1980s, it wasn't until 2012 that researchers first demonstrated the use of CRISPR for precise gene editing. 2. CRISPR is based on a natural defense mechanism: CRISPR is based on a naturally occurring immune system found in bacteria and archaea, which uses RNA molecules to target and destroy invading viruses or other foreign DNA. 3. CRISPR is highly efficient: Compared to other gene editing techniques, CRISPR is extremely efficient, allowing scientists to make precise changes to the genome with a high degree of accuracy. 4. CRISPR has potential limitations: Despite its many advantages, CRISPR also has potential limitations, such as the risk of off-target effects or the potential for unintended consequences when editing genes.
10. John Knoblett: What else ? 5. The ethics of CRISPR are still being debated: As with any new technology, the use of CRISPR raises important ethical and social questions, such as the potential for unequal access to gene editing, the implications for biodiversity, and the potential for eugenics or other forms of discrimination. 6. CRISPR is already being used in a wide range of applications: Since its development, CRISPR has already been used in a wide range of applications, from creating disease-resistant crops to curing genetic diseases in mice. Researchers are continuing to explore new applications for CRISPR, with the ultimate goal of improving human health and well-being. Overall, CRISPR is a powerful and rapidly evolving technology that has the potential to transform a wide range of fields, while also raising important ethical and social questions that will need to be carefully considered as the technology continues to develop.
11. John Knoblett: How rapidly is it anticipated that CRISPR will be adopted as a research tool? ChatBOT CRISPR has already been adopted as a research tool by a large number of researchers and labs around the world, and its use is rapidly increasing. The technology has been widely embraced because of its ease of use, high efficiency, and flexibility, which make it an attractive alternative to other gene editing techniques. Since its development, CRISPR has been used to study the functions of genes in a wide range of organisms, from bacteria to mice to human cells. In addition, CRISPR has also been used to create new animal models for studying diseases, and to develop new therapies for genetic disorders.
12. John Knoblett: Will the pace of use of CRISPR increase, decrease or remail the same? ChatBOT It is likely that the pace of use of CRISPR will continue to increase in the coming years. In addition, there is also significant interest in using CRISPR as a therapeutic tool, for example in the development of gene therapies for genetic diseases. While this application of CRISPR is still in its early stages, there have already been some promising results in preclinical studies, and it is likely that the pace of research in this area will also increase in the coming years. However, it is also important to note that the pace of adoption of CRISPR may be affected by a range of factors, such as regulatory considerations, funding availability, and ethical concerns. For example, the use of CRISPR in human embryos or in germline gene editing is highly controversial and faces significant regulatory hurdles.
13. John Knoblett: Will the use of CRISPR expand into new fields? ChatBOT There are many other fields where CRISPR is just beginning to be explored. For example, researchers are starting to use CRISPR to study complex diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer's, where the technology could help identify new drug targets or lead to the development of new therapies. CRISPR is also being used in the development of new diagnostics, such as tests for detecting infectious diseases. Other areas where CRISPR is being explored include environmental science, where the technology could be used to engineer microbes that can break down pollutants or produce biofuels, and even art conservation, where CRISPR could be used to repair damage to paintings or other artworks caused by age or environmental factors.
Ethics Ethically, if we can use CRIPR to enable some beneficial property for mankind, but we dont use it, how would we view the ethical consequences? If we have the ability to use CRISPR to bring about some beneficial property for humanity, but we choose not to use it, we would need to weigh the potential benefits of using the technology against any potential risks or ethical concerns associated with it. If the potential benefits are significant and the risks can be managed, then it could be seen as unethical to not use the technology. For example, if CRISPR could be used to cure genetic diseases or prevent the spread of certain diseases, not using the technology could be viewed as unethical, as it would mean that people are suffering unnecessarily. On the other hand, if the potential risks associated with using the technology are significant or if there are concerns about the ethical implications of modifying human DNA, then it may be more ethical to not use the technology.
Unintended Consequences The use of CRISPR in humans could also have unintended consequences on human health. For example, it's possible that CRISPR could introduce new genetic mutations that could lead to unforeseen health problems down the line. There are also concerns about the potential for "off-target" effects, where CRISPR might inadvertently edit genes that are not intended to be edited.
Social and Economic Impact Finally, the use of CRISPR could have social and economic impacts. For example, if CRISPR is used to create more resilient crops, it could potentially change the way we think about agriculture and food security. Similarly, if CRISPR is used to cure genetic diseases, it could potentially exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities by creating a divide between those who can afford gene editing treatments and those who cannot.
The Babies: Lulu and Nana https://www.science.org/content/article/did-crispr-help-or-harm-first-ever-gene-edited-babies Did He Jiankui's attempts to cripple CCR5, the gene for a protein on immune cells that HIV uses to infect the cells, could have also made "off-target" changes elsewhere in the girls' genomes. People inherit two copies of CCR5, one from each parent. He chose the gene as a target because he knew that about 1% of Northern European populations are born with both copies missing 32 base pairs, resulting in a truncated protein that doesn't reach the cell surface. These people, known as CCR5 32 homozygotes, appear healthy and are highly resistant to HIV infection. LULU
LULU: CRISPR cut CCR5 at the base pair at one end of the natural deletion. The error-prone cell-repair mechanism, which CRISPR depends on to finish knocking out genes, then deleted 15 base pairs in one of Lulu's copies of the gene, but none in the other. NANA: had bases added to one CCR5 copy and deleted from the other, which likely would cripple both genes and provide HIV resistance. Critics caution that CRISPR may have done its editing after Nana's embryo was already past the one-cell stage. That means she could be a genetic "mosaic" who has some unaffected cells with normal CCR5 and ultimately might have no protection from HIV.
The Dark Side of CRISPR Its potential ability to fix people at the genetic level is a threat to those who are judged by society to be biologically inferior an enduring ideology about the inextricable, cultural link among disability, reproduction, and suffering. They illustrate the subtle, yet insidious, idea that some genes are inherently bad and contaminate the human gene pool; as such, people who carry them should not propagate and pass those genes on to their progeny so as to make those children either carriers or affected. These ideas also expose an even deeper, ableist assumption: that people with supposedly bad genes fundamentally suffer and hold a less valuable place in society than others. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-dark-side-of-crispr/
Utilizing genome manipulation tools and performing genetic selection is tantamount to engaging in what Rosemarie calls velvet eugenics. Enforced by laissez-faire commercialism, rather than by the state, velvet eugenics seems like common sense, yet it hides its violence and inequality behind claims of patient autonomy and under a veil of voluntary consent. Ultimately, market-driven velvet eugenics embodies a similar goal of purging unacceptable human variations that campaigns to eliminate the supposedly unfit and inferior have held in the past. Both enact a mandate to exclude people with disabilities from coming into the world.
Chat GPT Recommends the top ten new disruptive innovations and why Quantum Computing: Quantum computing is a new form of computing that is expected to revolutionize industries from finance to healthcare by providing much faster and more powerful computing capabilities than traditional computers. CRISPR Gene Editing: CRISPR is a revolutionary gene editing technology that allows scientists to make precise edits to DNA. It has the potential to cure genetic diseases and transform healthcare. Edge Computing: Edge computing brings computing capabilities closer to the devices and sensors that collect data, reducing latency and enabling faster and more efficient data processing. Internet of Things (IoT): The IoT refers to the interconnected network of devices, sensors, and objects that can communicate with each other and collect and share data. It has the potential to transform industries from healthcare to manufacturing. Digital Twins: Digital twins are virtual replicas of physical objects or systems that can be used to test and optimize performance. They have the potential to revolutionize industries from aerospace to manufacturing. Quantum Encryption: Quantum encryption uses the principles of quantum mechanics to provide secure communications that cannot be intercepted or hacked. Brain-Computer Interfaces: Brain-computer interfaces enable direct communication between the brain and a computer or other device. They have the potential to transform healthcare and enable new forms of communication and interaction. Wearable Technology: Wearable technology such as smartwatches and fitness trackers are becoming more sophisticated, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare and enable more personalized and efficient care. 5G Networks: 5G networks are the next generation of cellular networks, providing faster speeds, lower latency, and more capacity. They have the potential to transform industries from entertainment to transportation. Biodegradable Plastics: Biodegradable plastics are a new type of plastic that can break down naturally in the environment, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. They have the potential to transform the packaging industry and reduce environmental impact.
