The Future of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is a revolutionary process that focuses on changing the DNA makeup of an organism. This can occur through changing a base pair of DNA, deleting a region of DNA or adding a new one. Genetic engineering has widespread implications for the future of medicinal research, especially as it is already being trialled in curing different types of cancers and neurological diseases.
Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuel Charpentier gained a Nobel Peace prize in chemistry in 2020, quickly arising CRISPR to fame due to its immense potential. It is an immune system utilised by microbes to find and eliminate unwanted invaders by incorporating some of the invader’s DNA into its own genome so it can quickly and efficiently find and eliminate the virus during any future infections. It is so revolutionary because it can accurately alter the chemistry of a piece of DNA, rendering it a very useful tool for clinical processes in the biomedical industry. The real world applications of CRISPR are huge, having already been used in 2019 on Victoria Gray as a form of treatment for sickle cell anaemia.
Another recent form of genetic engineering technologies is base editing, which was pioneered by David Liu in 2016. It has the potential to avoid off-target effects and improve accuracy as it works by chemically altering bases rather than introducing newDNA.
Developed after base editing, prime editing further refines gene editing techniques by enabling the precise insertion, deletion, or substitution of genetic material without creating DSBs. Unlike base editing, prime editing uses a prime editor that consists of a catalytically impaired Cas9 fused with a reverse transcriptase enzyme. This allows the system to write new genetic information directly into the genome by synthesising the desired sequence from an RNA template. Prime editing is much more versatile than base editing, as it can theoretically correct a broader range of point mutations (including both transitions and transversions) and has the potential to correct more genetic diseases.
Genetic engineering has implications that can help further the human race that expand far past the medical field, highlighted through its many possible uses within the agricultural area. Genetic engineering in plants aims to increase their yield while also maximising their nutritional capacities. This is incredibly important, especially in the wake of the threat of the climate crisis, to ensure the food stability of the globe. In 2018, over 600 scientists working together were able to sequence the wheat genome, which was previously thought of as impossible due to the size of the wheat genome in comparison to the human one. This is important as, through an understanding of the wheat genome, it can be made to withstand pressures of the weather and disease. An ongoing trial in Norwich aims to adapt wheat strains to produce more iron, which could help to reduce levels of iron deficiency-related anaemia globally.
In conclusion, the future of gene editing holds huge promise, with technologies like base editing and prime editing leading the way towards more precise genetic modifications. As these methods continue to evolve, they offer the potential to revolutionise medicine by enabling the accurate correction of genetic disorders with fewer off-target effects and greater precision. While challenges remain, particularly in delivery and ethical considerations, like the creation of a ‘designer baby’, the continued advancement of gene editing technologies paves the way for transformative breakthroughs in both medicinal and wider research applications, bringing us closer to curing genetic diseases and enhancing our understanding of the human genome.
Written by Nawal
Moderated by Adelene
References:
Front Line Genomics and Fletcher, L. (2023). Unlocking the future: where is gene editing going next? - Front Line Genomics. [online] Front Line Genomics. Available at: https://frontlinegenomics.com/unlocking-the-future-where-is-gene-editing-g [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024].
National Academies of Sciences, E., Studies, D. on E. and L., Resources, B. on A. and N. and Prospects, C. on G.E.C.P.E. and F. (2016). Future Genetically Engineered Crops. [online] www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK424554/ [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024].
Smith, M. (2024). Genetic Engineering | Talking Glossary of Genetic Terms | NHGRI. [online] Genome.gov. Available at: https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/Genetic-Engineering [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024].
Sullivan, J. (2021). The future of eating: how genetically modified food will withstand climate change. [online] www.nhm.ac.uk. Available at: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/the-future-of-eating-gm-crops.html [Accessed 6 Dec. 2024].
