Genes play a big role in our
lives. Along with many other elements, they help shape us, what we are, and
sometimes even who we are like all other living species. The human genome is
not stable. It can adapt and evolve over generations so we can empower genomics.
Sometimes, its alterations can be responsible for malfunctions or serious
illnesses in affected individuals and their offspring. Some living beings, such
as bacteria, have molecular mechanisms to protect and repair their DNA when
attacked. The analysis and understanding of these mechanisms led to the
development of an extraordinary molecular tool, CRISPR-Cas9, capable of repairing
or modifying the DNA of all living species.
Humans have always sought to
influence the production of plants or animals by modifying their genetic
heritage. It is done in an artisanal way to empower genomics, either by crossing or directing
species reproduction. With CRISPR-Cas9, we change scale insofar as it is
possible to modify the structure of DNA. Others had already been tried, but the
CRISPR-Cas9 method is much more effective, less difficult to implement, and
inexpensive. It also makes it possible to intervene on several genes
simultaneously. Its possible applications are multiple in all areas of plant,
animal, and human biology, which explains the large number of scientific
results already published, barely three years after the description of the
method.
The Excitement of The Scientific World
The potential applications of empowering genomics are
numerous in the biomedical field. But under what circumstances could the human
genome be modified? The question is not new. We imagine that this can become
easily achievable from now on, hence the excitement that has gripped the
scientific world. The excitement went up a notch again in the spring when a
Chinese team tested the method on human embryos. Could we use CRISPR-cas9 to repair an altered gene or restore
faulty functions in a sick individual and modify the genome of an unborn child?
To address questions relating to the biomedical use of Crispr-Cas9, the
American National Academies of Sciences and Medicine organized an international
meeting, from December 1 to 3, 2015, in Washington, in collaboration with the
British Royal Society and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
It is quite different if the
technique is used to modify or empower genomics of germ cells or of a human embryo. In these cases,
the DNA would be modified in all the cells of the child born from this germline
gene therapy, and it would be the same later in all his offspring. From a
medical point of view, the process could be undertaken when there is a risk of
transmission by the parents to the child of a very serious and identified
genetic pathology and when there are no other means of preventing the birth of
an affected child. This kind of situation is extremely rare.
The possibility that people or
social groups may wish to modify the genome of children to promote this or that
trait or characteristic depending on the genes is also regularly mentioned.
Apart from the fact that, in most cases, it is an illusion, our traits, our
characters, and who we depend on multiple factors and not only on this or that
gene, to act in this way is currently impossible.
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