Issues
The CRISPR-Cas9 technology causes unintended off-target (effects outside of the intended editing sites) effects in mice, according to a Stanford University study.
- The worry that the CRISPR system is being hurried into clinical use is still present. This anxiety has been further heightened by three recent reports.
- Studies have shown that cells modified by CRISPR-Cas9 may cause cancer.
- This may raise the probability of mutations elsewhere in the genome in those cells.
- Although CRISPR-Cas9 technology has been utilized successfully to treat several diseases, many things are still unclear, such as how to choose which diseases or features are suitable for gene editing.
- Ethical issues and concerns also exist over the manipulation of human embryos for personal gain.
What is CRISPR Technology and how is it used?
CRISPR is a technology that enables gene editing, and as such, it has the potential to transform society. Finding a specific DNA sequence inside a cell is simple with CRISPR. After that, the section of DNA is usually modified in CRISPR gene editing. The CRISPR system has been modified to perform additional tasks as well, including turning genes on or off without changing their sequence.
Before the CRISPR technique was introduced in 2012, it was possible to change the genomes of some plants and animals, but it took years and hundreds of thousands of dollars. CRISPR has made it simple and affordable. In the future, many of the plants and animals in our farms, gardens, and homes may have to be modified with CRISPR, which is already widely employed in scientific studies. CRISPR food is already being consumed by some humans. Additionally, CRISPR technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine by allowing us to both treat and prevent a wide range of diseases. We might even choose to utilize it to alter the genes of our offspring. Although a Chinese attempt to do this has been criticized as premature and unethical, other people believe it could eventually be advantageous for kids. Other uses for CRISPR include gene drives and the control of evolution, as well as the fingerprinting of cells and recording of internal events.