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-By Emily Miller

Crisper Genome Editing

Index

Ethics

Impact on Healthcare

Applications

What is CRISPER

How it works

Research

CRISPR is a powerful tool scientists use to edit DNA, the code of life. It works like molecular scissors, cutting specific parts of DNA to add, remove, or change genetic information. Originally discovered in bacteria as a defense mechanism against viruses, it’s now used to study genes, develop treatments for diseases, and even improve crops.

What is Crisper?

The Genome Editing ProcessDesigning the Guide RNA:Scientists create a guide RNA that matches the DNA sequence of the target gene they want to edit.Binding to the Target:The guide RNA leads the Cas9 protein to the specific location on the DNA by complementary base pairing.DNA Cutting:Cas9 makes a double-stranded break (DSB) in the DNA at the target site.Cellular DNA Repair:The cell’s natural repair processes kick in to fix the break, which scientists exploit for editing

How It Works

• Unintended consequences: Concerns about manipulating the human genome include unintended off-target effects, where CRISPR may accidentally modify unintended genes, potentially causing harmful mutations or diseases like cancer.

• Germline editing risks: Editing the human germline poses long-term risks, as changes would be passed to future generations with unforeseen health consequences.

• Reduction in genetic diversity: Eliminating certain traits might weaken humanity's ability to adapt to environmental or disease challenges.

Ethics Disscusion

Biomedical Applications

• Gene Therapy
• Cancer Therapy
• Organ Transplant

• Crop Improvement
• Nutrition Enhancment
• Livestock Improvment

• Invasive Species Control
• Bioremedication

Applications

Discovery of CRISPR Loci (1995):Francisco Mojica (University of Alicante, Spain) discovered unusual DNA repeats in the archaeal genome of Haloferax mediterranei.These DNA repeats, suggested they had a significant biological function.Hypothesized that these sequences might be part of the immune system in bacteria and archaea.CRISPR as a Prokaryotic Immune System:The repeats and spacers (foreign DNA fragments) are grouped in clusters in intergenic regions, forming a "library" of genetic information.This system is thought to help protect bacteria and archaea from viruses by recognizing and storing viral DNA.Initial Assumptions:Early theories suggested CRISPR might work through a mechanism similar to RNA interference (RNAi), which involves targeting RNA.Breakthrough Discovery (2005):Marraffini and Sontheimer showed that CRISPR systems target foreign DNA, not RNA, confirming the role of CRISPR in genome defense.

Research

1. HIV/AIDS Treatment- Potential Cure for HIV2. Infectious Disease Detection and Treatment- CRISPR-based Diagnostics- Impact: More accessible, faster, and cheaper testing for various infectious diseases.3. Personalized Medicine- Tailored Treatments:- Editing the genetic makeup of patients to match therapies that work best for their specific genetic profile.4. Regenerative Medicine- Potential for Organ Regeneration

Impact On Healthcare