CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a family of DNA sequences found within the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria. CRISPR technology is a simple yet powerful tool for editing genomes.
It allows researchers to make precision edits to any DNA easily, whether bacterial or human, essentially altering DNA sequences.
CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables geneticists to edit parts of the genome by removing, adding or altering sections of the DNA sequence. It was adapted from a naturally occurring genome editing system in bacteria where they capture snippets of DNA from invading viruses and use them to create DNA segments known as CRISPR arrays. If the viruses attack again, the bacteria produce RNA segments from the CRISPR arrays to target the viruses' DNA.
The Genetic Engineering techniques previously available were expensive, slow, and incredibly complicated. All that is changing thanks to CRISPR. The cost of genetic engineering has shrunk by almost 99%. New ways to apply this knowledge are being discovered at a rapid pace & most of them are revolutionary. It is currently the simplest, most versatile and precise method of genetic manipulation and is therefore causing a buzz in the science world & is in the media often for its potential ability to help people with terminal illness such as cancer. It's many potential applications include correcting genetic defects in embryos, treating and preventing existing diseases & their transmission. It has wide range of applications in the agriculture sector as well.
CRISPR system is totally programmable. A piece of DNA can be removed, put into a living cell to cut the defective DNA right out of the genome & completely reverse the genetic defects. It basically gives humans a chance to play God & modify our environment to suit our needs. However, like all powerful technology, CRISPR has the potential to be misused & can cause biological disaster. While we debate on the ethics of playing God, we also know that we are already preselecting humans based on medical conditions. As a 1999 study suggested, 92% of pregnancies where Down Syndrome was detected were being terminated in Europe.
I come from a family of doctors, right from my great-grandfather. From a young age, I have always been interested in biology & the human body. Technology is also in my blood. Hence, I am fascinated by genetic engineering as it is an amalgamation of medicine & engineering. The possibility of manipulating and building living organisms to our specifications is the stuff of Sci-fi dreams are made of! I have attempted to comprehend the mind boggling & futuristic work of Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier’s- the inventors of CRISPR.
The possibilities of this technology are immense and we have barely scratched the surface. Research on CRISPR as it would be an immense opportunity to contribute to the next level of Human Evolution and is something I aspire to pursue.