Genetic Engineering and Its Consequences

Genetic engineering is a term that describes a series of procedures that scientists do to alter genes in different organisms. Genetic engineering is done through DNA extraction, gene cloning and gene modification.

DNA extraction is when scientists isolate different sections of genetic code in organisms that determine the desired characteristics of that organism. Gene cloning is the amplification of the genes through copying. One well-known instance of copying is PCR which stands for Polymerase Chain Reaction and creates millions or billions of copies of a specific segment of DNA. Lastly, gene modification is done by altering and replacing genes from specific regions of DNA.

Some of you may know things like GMOs which are genetically modified organisms that are normally fruits and vegetables that you buy at the store. In fact, many of the plants we buy at the store are genetically modified to be sweeter, bigger, or to have a different amount of seeds. Furthermore, a lot of genetically modified produce has been sold in grocery stores for decades. So why is it that we are now classifying genetic modification as an ethical concern?

Recently, scientists have started to genetically modify germ-line cells (embryos, sperm, and egg cells) which has raised some questions about the boundaries of genome editing. Germ-line genome editing (GGE) could be used as a means of disease prevention but it could also cause societal expectations and require the creation of many new laws and regulations before it is even accepted.

Examining the positives, the CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-Cas9 genome editing method is something that occurs naturally in certain bacterias where it combats viruses by slicing the DNA into smaller segments and is compatible with many organisms. When the CRISPR-Cas9 method is used in changing genetic traits like disease susceptibility, then often the results can be good and lead to a longer or healthier life for the patient. For example, CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing is currently being explored with regards to cures or treatments for patients with cystic fibrosis. This was acknowledged when researchers cultured intestinal stem cells and corrected a mutation that led to function of the originally non-functioning protein. This gives scientists hope about the future of corrective genome editing.

On the other hand, some of these changes can be negative. For example, the trait for sickle cell anemia also protects the carrier from malaria and if that trait is altered, the immunity to malaria is also gone.

Currently, not many testing opportunities and clinical trials are going on due to some of the ethical concerns, but if GGE is given the green light you should probably expect a lot of regulations and positive impacts on the lives of some people with different conditions.

Bibliography:

Asmamaw, Misganaw, and Belay Zawdie. “Mechanism and Applications of CRISPR/Cas-9-Mediated Genome Editing.” Biologics : targets & therapy vol. 15 353-361. 21 Aug. 2021, doi:10.2147/BTT.S326422

Gyngell, Christopher, et al. “Moral Reasons to Edit the Human Genome: Picking up from the Nuffield Report.” Journal of Medical Ethics, 1 Aug. 2019, jme.bmj.com/content/45/8/514.

Rubeis, Giovanni, and Florian Steger. “Risks and benefits of human germline genome editing: An ethical analysis.” Asian bioethics review vol. 10,2 133-141. 16 Jul. 2018, doi:10.1007/s41649-018-0056-x