The term “Genetically Modified Organisms” is widening its horizon to mean not only genetically modified plants and animal species but also genetically modified humans. Years of intensive research has led to the discovery of ways of modifying genes of organisms to improve yield, adapt to environmental conditions, resist infectious diseases and acquire other favorable characteristics. Gene editing and modification is becoming a fast trend ever since scientists found a technique which can modify the human genome, called CRISPR. This technique is inspired by the defense mechanism of the bacterial innate immune system and was first successfully adapted by Fehg Zhang and his colleagues.
Bacteria have a complex defense mechanism which 'steals' DNA strips of an invading virus and splices them into their DNA with the help of splicing enzyme Cas-9 to form a new DNA sequence called Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR). The bacterium then makes several new copies of this new gene sequence, which can identify and show resistance to invading viruses of a complementary sequence. After extensively studying this defense mechanism especially in streptococcus pyogenes and the splicing action of its protein-9-nuclease (Cas 9), scientists have adopted it as a tool for genetic editing in humans and other non-bacterial organisms.
How Does CRISPR Work?
Three kinds of CRSPR mechanisms have been described but scientists have paid the most attention to type II. In type II the bacterial Cas 9 gene incorporates DNA fragments from the invading virus into the CRISPR locus after which the loci undergoes transcription to produce CRISPR RNA. This serves as a guide to effector endonucleases to target and destroy invading DNA of complementary sequences. This mechanism is simpler to adopt than other gene editing mechanisms because it only requires Cas9, CrRNA, and trRNA.
Scientists use three different types of Cas 9 in genome editing;
- The wild type Cas 9 which cleaves double-stranded DNA at specific sites to cause the activation of the Double Stranded Break Repair Machinery by the cellular Non-Homogeneous End Joining (NHEJ) Pathway. This creates a series of deletions and insertions which disrupt the target locus.
- The mutant Cas 9DIOA has only nickase activity and can cleave a single stranded DNA strand without activating the NHEJ pathway. This mutant form is more specific in targeting invading DNA materials.
- The nuclease deficient Cas 9 is used to specifically target any sequence in the genome without cleavage.
Since the demonstration of the CRISPR/Cas technique in 2012, it has been used in targeting genes in different cell lines and organisms such as humans, bacteria, zebra, pigs, rat, etc. Experts have even used the technique to insert point mutations in target genes, induce genomic rearrangements and engineer epigenetic modifications in different organisms.
Controversies Surrounding Use of CRISPR Gene Editing
Certain scientific techniques that can be used to save a life can also be turned around to eliminate the same life, s0 there are major concerns that gene editing may someday be used as a weapon of mass destruction and terrorists can genetically edit the genome of a common virus and transform them into biological weapons.
In the past tools of genetic engineering were very expensive and only a few scientists could afford them but with the advent of CRISPR gene editing technique these tools are becoming so affordable that an amateur can now buy DNA sequences online and edit them according to their curiosity and mischievous intent.
CRISPR Promises Endless Possibilities
Despite the controversies surrounding genetic modification of organisms with effective regulation and an utmost transparency, genetic editing can help mankind modify the genes of some disease vectors to cut the spread of illnesses. It may also be the only chance of totally eliminating single-gene disorders like Huntington’s disease and cystic fibrosis among many others including in the future HIV in humans.
There are ethical criticisms which argue that editing the genetic makeup of organisms is an act of playing God and may become potentially dangerous in the future as the long-term effects of these procedures may not be always used correctly. On one hand we can cure diseases and other illnesses and on the other they can be used to produce unfair advantages, but in the wrong hands can produce deadly virus stains. Is this the cost of moving forward with scientific breakthroughs? Meaning taking the good with the bad or are we just playing God? I would love to hear some of your thoughts on CRISPR and gene editing.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK333425/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4492683/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4487574/
I hope you enjoyed. Please Upvote, Resteem, and Follow me @road2wisdom
Interesting read.I came to know about DIY amino kits from amino.bio that can be used in home setup.I did a blog about it
https://steemit.com/genetic/@sanees/create-your-own-bacteria-diy-bio-kits ...reading this keeps me think does those kits exposes us to potential danger in a different way?
Those kits look interesting! I don't know about the dangers but thanks for sharing.
I tried to upvote your post and it ended up voting my comment!!! Sorry about that.. upvoted and following . We need more people in science
nothing wrong with upvoting your own comment. The point of having Steem Power is to reward good content... right? And if you did not think that your comment was good, then why would one make a comment?
Ha it's ok. 🌞 I upvoted your comment too!!!🙂
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by sanees from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, and someguy123. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows and creating a social network. Please find us in the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.
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I think that genetic engineering is beyond the reach of regulators already. Perhaps in the same way that crypto tokens are. In both cases, human kind will just have to rely on the better natures of human kind, and hope that there is not some evil genius who will create and unleash a plague. I myself am not too worried about the negative possibilities of this amazing tech. I just want a cure for aging. :) #longevity
Listen to George say it himself.
"We've turned it into a device that damages DNA, which we call editing "
Oopsies: Gene Editing Now Admittedly Causes Hundreds of Mutations
Yeah that's exactly what I was saying in my comments! It's crazy imagine 50-100 years down the line humans will be something else and the ones who can afford this twisted science think they will be the ones on top with their designer kids. It's a frightening thought for my kids, kids. Heck all of humanity! Thanks for sharing the video very much appreciated :)
This paper has since been retracted. Their data was poorly obtained and incorrectly analyzed.
https://www.nature.com/articles/nmeth.4664
OF COURSE
we're playing god.
we ARE baby gods.
the bible says so.
(I believe it, end of discussion)
Galatians 3:26
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God.....
Play is a Child's Work.
by playing they learn
.
so
OF COURSE
we should play god.
to do other wise
is
to follow the Devil.
Very well said @everittdmickey. I couldn't have said it better myself AMEN. Being a strong Christian woman( this is just my personal faith)
I thank God every day for my son being healthy and strong. Sorry, I went off topic but I put everything last when It comes to my son. Thanks for sharing that amazing comment :0)
you're welcome.
Play God, indeed. This atheist agrees with you. :)
An excellent article. I used to work in research lab years ago and we utilized CRISPR gene. It seems like it is much easier to obtain results now. Do you think it could be implemented in eliminating antibiotic resistant strains of viruses and bacteria?
Hi and thanks for sharing I think its def. a game changer and maybe one day will see a CRISPR pill or something to that effect that can help out with the antibiotic resistant strains. This science has endless possibilities if used for good.
Antibiotics work on bacteria, so viruses are not effected by antibiotics. Do not take antibiotics for a viral infection.
Now that that is out of the way, I like the idea of using bacteriophages to take out antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. A bacteriophage is a virus that specifically can target and lyse (kill) the target bacteria. Of course, within a population of bacteria, there can be naturally occurring resistance to phages. This resistance, of course, can be due to the bacterial immune system known as CRISPR. Funny how that works.
Interesting. Over my head. But interesting. I'm reminded of Washington DC lobbyists from Big Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, & Big Bank Investors in Pharma & Insurance who have billions of dollars in lobbyists on Capital Hill and working behind doors with Office of Information & Regulatory Affairs. They benefit from society growing more passively dependent upon the technologies funded by these investors. They are the reason Marijuana was made illegal. They're the reason Monsanto and Nestle are allowed to monetize nature. They're the reason they don't want you doing yoga, drinking fresh water, organic foods. They benefit off people's injuries, sickness, aches, and pains because the society is increasingly demanding, the programming is increasingly divisive on tv news, and they offer the solution: "Here, pay for this pill." It's like "Facebook is tough, here, pay for this ad." Or "Hard to get noticed on Steemit, here, buy these votes." It's a pay to play model that benefits those willing to sacrifice time from family, sacrifice time being social on the beach or in the mountains, sacrifice time with a book. We are increasingly being sold a problem and a solution by the same paradigm of falseflags and falsehope. The answers are in your soul, the quiet mind, and lessons learned from ancients. I have witnessed tai chi masters heal with touch and toss a human 30 feet with a shrug. The big pharma and genetic modification profit machine does not want you to know how powerful you really are. How powerful JOY is. They know how powerful JOY is, that is why they sell us war on the television and crime in the streets. If we knew how powerful we are, they would loose control of what they have already weaponized.
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I would love to read a steemit post review on https://www.forksoverknives.com/.
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I would love to know you are healthy, and appreciate these well deserved posts. All the best to you and your family. Whales should be paying you for the Privledge to vote on your posts. Minnows are lucky to have someone human. May you continue to appreciate every tiny vote, from the 1% on up. Appreciation, Appreciates. We can only build on real positives. And should this field of science and tech be a passion of yours, carry on. Should good health and well being be a passion of yours, carry on. If freedom be a passion of yours, may you peacefully hear how free you really are and always have been. Be well.
Thank you for the kind words and I am very familiar with forkesoverknives and I will do a post review on them very soon. I have seen those things you mentioned too. Before my husband got sick he was into martial arts since the age of 5 he could direct his chi through concrete blocks and not even have a cut. He gets pissed at how the big karate schools just give black belts out like hot cakes which gives all these kids a false sense of security. It took me 3 schools before I found a great school for me son. One where its not about the money and more about the training. I always show my appreciating but what I find weird is that once I show appreciation they see it as being too much. What can I say? I wont change, if I feel someone did something worthy of me saying thanks I will continue to praise them. I appreciate the little things in life and I also appreciate the big things. I also agree with your points about big pharma and others keeping us sick and down. We have knowledge out there that "they" want to keep us from. Again thank you for your kind words and we will talk soon @jacobts. Enjoy your day :)
I work in a Laboratory in Switzerland, with a lot of pathogens and I can say you that if someone uses the CRISPR gene editing method on viruses, it will be an fast and unexpected apocalypse. That's the scary part of playing with genetics.
Really interesting article, good synthesis of a really complex subject.
Cheers Sheryl!
Thank you @trolio especially coming from a professional like you I appreciate that. I agree the messing around with viruses is only one of the scary aspects. Its scary in general to me. :)
It can be really interesting for research purpose and comprehension of life. There was a time where the human was like every other living beings, adapting himself to his environment. Now we just adapt the environment to us. We killed our own biological evolution.
totally right! well said.
CRISPR has much to offer, some scientists are worried that the field's breakneck pace leaves little time for addressing the ethical and safety concerns such experiments can raise. What is your opinion on this issue R2W?
They are already to far ahead as you said, ethical or not they would figure out a way to do it, lIke on international waters, etc.
The problem was thrust into the spotlight in April, when news broke that scientists had used CRISPR to engineer human embryos. The embryos they used were unable to result in a live birth, but it has generated heated debate over whether and how CRISPR should be used to make heritable changes to the human genome. And there are other concerns. Some scientists want to see more studies that probe whether the technique generates stray and potentially risky genome edits; others worry that edited organisms could disrupt entire ecosystems. THIS IS VERY SCARY INDEED!
I believe it can, it can change a species completely.
@road2wisdom fist time I am reading one of your posts, and I am really impressed. keep it up! There are too many crazy things going on in our world today. This is one of them.
Thanks @simeonburke
Honestly, I don't see why ethics or morally have a whole lot to do with it unless you are causing suffering to other conscious beings. It seems to me more that people find it scary mostly because they cannot really comprehend it.
I am lucky to work with people in the space sector who are studying this on a daily basis. Our wish is to master the genome as "easily" as mastering computer code. So that if future astronauts are exposed to an environmental challenge where their human biology needs to adopt, we can simply understand the phenomenon from Earth, measure what biological changes they'll need to survive in the environment they are in, and upload the genetic changes as code. Sent with the speed of light from Earth, to computers on other planets that then make changes to the bodies of astronauts.
Seems far fetched? Well it is being worked on :)
Anyways I think with all the flaws nature has afflicted upon life, to begin with, it is only moral and sound that we make the necessary changes that allow for human beings to flourish more and suffer less.
Maybe I'll have to cover the topic of space biology in one of my future blog posts, having only yesterday posted my introduction post on steemit I'll be looking for more topics that people find interesting related to space and science :)
I agree, the line to divide what's right or wrong seems to be always very thin. Let's look at AI for instance. As a software developer my job has always been to create applications to automate tasks even where my own intervention is required. So now AI is creating excitement and concern. We are fascinated by the idea that a machine can learn, but worry that the same might turn against us. If the gods who created us had known how we would have turned up would they had stopped creating us?
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Thank you, I'm happy that the article is featured in your newsletter :) I worked hard on it, so I am happy it was recognized. I will stop into the science-trail more often. Thanks again :)
I think CRISPR can indeed provide endless possibilities, but the scary thing is, that CRISPR does NOT count as a genetic modified organism. This means that al the regulation about GMO's does not count for organism's modified with CRISPR.
In my opinion, gene editing should be restricted to improving health-related issues. It is fascinating how fast science is progressing. In fact, I just made a post on achieving human immortality through science. Perhaps you or some of the readers here might find it interesting as well. Here is the link: https://steemit.com/life/@bba/eternal-life-vs-eternal-youth-if-you-have-to-choose-what-would-it-be
I have seen new possibilities in gene research. Very good article. Vote and resteem.
Thank you @ziqon
Really interesting article. It was hard for me to understand when it got scientific but I liked the ethical question you raised. However, what is your opinion?
I believe the ethical question is difficult to discuss because I believe it will happen anyways. However, contributing towards this research and influencing it with a good intent is important I believe. However, then we need to open up the question "What is good intent?"
I liked the article. Very informative. You have my subscription :)
Thanks @tkronsbein
I disagree with many of the comments here. Yes, CRISPR is a dangerous new development, but it also has the ability to solve many of humanities health problems. I am a research scientist in Epidemiology and have been following CRISPR since inception. It is not without its flaws (current research potentially shows mounting unintended transcription errors) but as it gets better and better, we can target specific genetic anomalies. Yeah science!
I agree with the advancements and I think its great we can target bad genes and correct them or remove. I think like in any aspect in life you will have good and bad. Thanks for sharing.
Good post. Very nice summary of how CRISPR technology works. I was learning about CRISPR in university earlier this year. Synthetic biology is a fascinating field. You should check out the bacteria species a bunch of scientists engineered which changes colour depending on the pH of its environment. Very cool stuff.
Sounds interesting thanks @thekingdom I will check it out for sure.
Check out my theories about crispr/cas9
https://steemit.com/science/@celestialme/will-humans-be-able-to-fly-on-their-own posted 2 days ago but buried so soon noone was able to notice
This post received a 3.8% upvote from @randowhale thanks to @road2wisdom! For more information, click here!
it's a double edge sword just like any other technology. Some will abuse it and some will make good use of it. I think of it like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) technology that revolutionized the molecular industry. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerase_chain_reaction
Great post! Not only are you smart you are beautiful.
Thanks
I am a research scientist. This is a bad idea. Scientists ego's are getting in the way with wisdom and respect for the current genetic codes. If this continues (which it will) it will end badly.
I agree, I didn't even touch on the designer babies and so on. I don't think we should mess with the way we were made. Death is a part of life and a process we all have to go through. Thanks for sharing
How is it a bad idea? What I think is we shoukd do more years of research before testing out any of these advanced genetic procedures. What we lack is full understanding and we will continue to go towards that. Once upon a time there were also concerns and resistance against blood transfusion etc etc...should we continue to respect the natural way of things? It depends d even the natural order of things have defects which can and will be corrected in the future.
Its not a bad idea but in the wrong hands like anything this can be used for bad. We def. need to do more testing in this field and we are but people out there want to rush things cause we live in such a high paced world. Thanks for sharing @cryptonfused
Most Welcome
Sadly, I agree with your comment. I fear the same.
I've heard about CRISPR. I think it's inevitable. As we advance our understanding of reality, our ability to manipulate it grows. We move closer each day to a more and more malleable state of existence, where our intention and will is imposed onto our world (and ourselves) easier. Exciting times we live in, thats for sure.
Check your discord : )
Thanks for sharing and yes we will talk later @iamjustinscott
Sounds good : )
"science was considered magic some years ago"
I know its crazy how far we have come and where we are going!
As in many scientific achievements this can be both... a blessing and a curse.
On the one hand the possibilities to cure genetic disease seem endless and it could really make a different for so many people currently suffering from breast cancer for example. On the other hand it might reach levels of "self-improvement" just for optical reasons or might even be used to form something like a biological weapon if someone abuses it too much.
As you said... it really depends on how humanity and scientists deal with it. In the wrong hands or even because of ignorance it might pose a threat. Just as self-aware AIs might become either humanities downfall or its rise into new scientifical dimension in the future.
Thanks @vandaze for commenting like anything In life I guess it depends who is using it, yes we can save lives and yes it can be used for good. Its a tough call for me to be honest.
this technology is scary but still a bit exciting....haha.. but its unevitable...... let's see how it goes .
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PS : you are beautiful <3
Thank you :) and thanks for sharing lol
thank you for this amazing article :)
the CRISPR system is very interesting but kind of frightening as well...
So much is possible with this (probably to much...)
Yes in the right hands it will do good.
yeah hopefully it is used by the "right" hands...
In short form I think yes We are playing!!!
Thanks for sharing @joydip8116 :)
Very interesting. It's hard to say whether this manipulation will be used only for good in the future. I just hope the unintended consequences are manageable.
Me too I hope we don't change into a different species altogether lol kidding =)
haha you already are a different species altogether :-p
HAHA :0)*
What species what I be classified as?!?!? haha
IDK. If you had the choice, what would you call the next step in human evolution? I can't think of anything cool lol
HAHA I am like Lucy I will be everywhere hahhaa kidding ;)
That would be terrifying! hahahaha. How about you use your gene editing genius and turn me into a superhero instead xD
This definitely raises some profound ethical and spiritual questions. I'm not sure I can say I know the answer to any of them
Yes, I am stuck somewhere in the middle. I like that we can help people but i don't want to see it get into the wrong hands, thanks for sharing:)
Congratulations! This post has been upvoted from the communal account, @minnowsupport, by road2wisdom from the Minnow Support Project. It's a witness project run by aggroed, ausbitbank, teamsteem, theprophet0, and someguy123. The goal is to help Steemit grow by supporting Minnows and creating a social network. Please find us in the Peace, Abundance, and Liberty Network (PALnet) Discord Channel. It's a completely public and open space to all members of the Steemit community who voluntarily choose to be there.
If you like what we're doing please upvote this comment so we can continue to build the community account that's supporting all members.
It's quite a balancing act. Not familiar with CRISPR. Enjoyed the info you provided. Thanks.
Thank you @tesscooks4u
I think, playing God, shouldn't be a concern when advancing us as a species. We have to be cautious and thorough of course. People will stand against gene editing like they do with GMO foods, when they don't even know what GMO is... Fear of the unknown and fear of God's wrath...
We will probably never leave Plato's cave afraid of what might happen.
I don't think we are playing God (through scientific advancement). If their is any truth that we were created in his image - than we have no choice but to evolve. God obviously did some gene splicing in his day. We are simply trying to live up to his awesomeness.
Amen to that :0)
Interesting, to say the least.
Thanks @geechidan
This is a very good article with a serious ethical dilemma. God made the things in this world for a reason and I believe with us playing with His creation that is only a matter of time before we open Pandora's box.
Thanks for sharing @boodless17 we are def. opening Pandora's box as you mentioned I just hope its in the right hands and people are aware of the decisions they make.
Nice article. I didnt get the "playing God" part or why it is included in your title. Nevertheless very informative and interesting
Thanks I put it in because with CRISPR gene editing parents in the future can choose how tall their child is going to be, what color eyes, what haircolor etc. Designer babies is the term. This will lead to a clash where parents who have money can make sure their child will be superior to somebody who can't afford this technology. I plan to do more posts on this topic soon🌞 Thanks for reading and commenting.
Id bet my soul that god does not exist in any mainstream sense. however if you'd ask if we would be playing nature with CRISPR, I'd say yes. We have been Nature the entire time. therefore it is our place to do so.
"used to produce unfair advantages"
Can you explain that?
If you can alter your kids genes so he or she is bigger and stronger compared to someone who can't afford to "design their baby" and splice out any defects. Many feel that's an unfair advantage. Which I really didn't touch upon in this post but will in future ones. 🌞
This topic can get deep very fast.
For example. I know another way to alter my kids genes.
Pick a partner that will supply better genes. the old-fashioned way of mixing genes to create a new life. Wayne Gretzky picked an actress for a wife. Have you seen their daughter, Paulina?
Is that also "unfair"?
What if we pull up studies that link your gene pool to performance on standardized IQ tests. Is life therefore "unfair" for those that come from the gene pool that doesn't do as well on standardized IQ tests?
I'll back off. You had a lot of good points in your post. Thought provoking.
Well done !!
My reaction was only at the end when you started to invoke "fair" and "unfair".
Those are usually code words for some other agenda.
No agenda here just bringing awareness of CRISPR, I prefer it the old fashion natural way and hope it stays that way. Thanks for replying. I like a little back and forth sometimes instead of the same responses. Yes, it can get deep but I think we are on the same page :) Thank you.
CRISPR ins one of that "DOOM DAY" kind of tech... you mess 1 thing, and it´s over -.- ... first time i hear about it was during the zika virus ins Brazil , they wnat to reliase genetic modificated CRISP mosquitos ... to not reproduce... them they tink more about it and.... well... it could eradicate the hole species or worse !!! so... 50 human may be born with deadly brain bad formation... or doomday .... they chose to not relise the moskitos ... scare...
Very true it can be used for good and bad. Thanks for sharing
Or we just let evolution decide? I have nothing against researches for elimination of diseases, but I'm totally scared of "advancements" that these technologies wish to accomplished.
Upvoted and followed.:)
Thanks St3llar followed you back, yes this scares me too. It can change the human species as we know it to something unrecognizable in the future.
Sure they are playing god and it wont end up well.
This post has received a 3.74 % upvote from @booster thanks to: @road2wisdom.
We've been playing good ever since we started directing vegatables, fruit, and animals to more human-friendly versions of themselves. This is just a more precise tool being added to our toolbox.
so true @somethingsubtle like someone mentioned with good regulations we will be ok. But with pharma its all about the money.
Great post. The benefits of this technology could be amazing but recent studies have shown how it can cause hundreds or thousands of unwanted mutations, creating unknown side effects. Strong regulations are needed.
Yes, that's the key I think you nailed it on the head if we have strong regulations we can do so much good with this. If this goes overboard it can change the human species at the extreme spectrum. Thanks for posting.
Great post @road2wisdom! Upvoted and RESTEEMED :]
This is wonderful. The world is driving at something good
Cool article - just upvoted you.
If you are interested in CRISPR; Check out my blog, I have many articles about CRISPR and its application and investment opportunities.
Best
Alex
Damn, this is quite scary. Too much potential for disaster!
The Rothschild's are playing god, we're all playing servants.