The world of medical science is evolving fast with technology. A few years back, scientists discovered the CRISPR-cas9 technique. Now it stays at the top front of the list. It is a very useful and powerful editing method for DNA alteration. Similarly, Scientists use this technique to prevent transferable genetic diseases. Above and beyond benefits, there are pros and cons of CRISPR.
What is CRISPR and Genome Editing?
CRISPR is a revolutionary technology to edit, change, and alter the genes. It is by far the most effectively used among other genome editing techniques.
The Crispr-cas9 derives from a normally occurring genome editing system in Bacteria. It utilizes the Cas9 enzyme to target the RNA-based viruses in human cells. It is now talk of the town to scientists and medicinal researchers.
Genome Editing is the applicable method to change the organisms’ DNA. These organisms include plants, Micro organic species like bacteria and other animals too.
The genetic material of an organism is the genome. It reflects the physical appearance of that organism. Likewise, eye color, height, etc.
So, the genome-editing technique is to alter the DNA of an organism. Which reportedly changes the physical traits and other genetic features. In this article, we have sort out the most relative pros and cons of CRISPR.
This way you can easily identify its advantages and concerns.
General Problems with CRISPR – Brief Analogy
The scientist previously used TALENS and ZFNs methods to add, remove, or shape the DNA strands. These methods showed promising outcomes. As technology advanced, scientists discovered the Crispr-cas9 system in 2008. Precisely, it showed more fruitful results when compared to TALENS and ZFNs.
The previously used methods also have their pros and cons. Regardless of accuracy, the benefits CRISPR can provide are very considerate. Likewise, it also meets some consequences in the process. When compared to other diseases, it showed some advantages as well the difficulties.
The scientist carried different experiments with patients. It included patients with cancer and HIV. Even with the pros and cons of CRISPR, scientists observed surprising results.
CRISPR Technology for Cancer
The tremendous technological pace is advancing cancer treatment. CRISPR, being a cutting-edge gene-editing tool, is gaining importance in treating Cancer. Last year, the modest result of 2 women and 1 man proved that it could succeed further.
The main goal of CRISPR with T-cells was to cut down the defective genes. Further, it helps to define a way for T-cells. The T-cells will shrink down the tumor and cancer. Initially, it was stressful and difficult to conduct.
As time went by, the scientists optimized the CRISPR theoretical methods. They experimented and improved resisting the side effects. Subsequently, they conducted a test involving patients of myeloma, sarcoma, and blood cancer.
As a result, the cancer cells disappeared and the tumor shrank down in sarcoma patients. Further, it revealed a little off-target effect. But, it was nominal compared to previous techniques and studies. Hence, the core conduct showed a great tribute in treating cancer patients.
CRISPR Technology for HIV
Scientists believe that CRISPR is the future in treating complicated genetic disorders. Although there is no perfect cure for HIV except the medications. Still, the study and test conducted showed no side effects.
In 2019 September, Chinese scientists successfully tested the gene – editing technology in HIV patients. CRISPR could not meet the expectations as it did not cure HIV. Besides, with no side effects or gene alteration, CRISPR proved successful. Moreover, it is now in consideration to use CRISPR in reducing the HIV mutations.
CRISPR is being tested to find out the cure for diseases. The cutting-edge technology is advancing its eras often. Soon, it will undoubtedly become the leading technique in reducing conditions.
The experiments conducted with CRISPR shows its potential. Most importantly, the result of experiments did not show resemblance. Some results showed different mutations. Hence, It proves the pros and cons of CRISPR vary with diseases too.
Benefit with Concerns – The Pros and Cons of CRISPR
Well, CRISPR is now one of the most demanding methods in modern history. And that too is less expensive than others. Additionally, it is
- Faster.
- Successful.
- Reasonable.
- Prominent Results.
- Cheap and,
- More Accurate than other methods.
But, every method holds its benefits and concerns. It also applies to CRISPR technology. The results are very prominent. Yet, they can sometimes become unpredictable.
The pros and cons of CRISPR vary with its application. Here, you can find the most important benefits and concerns listed here. Take a look.
CRISPR – Pros
Genetic Disorder
Sometimes, inheritance can bring disadvantages. One would wish to drop out of the genetic traits behind. For the reason that most likely occurring illnesses are genetically transferred. HCM or Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is one of those.
It is prominent in 1 out of five hundred people. The disease relates to the stiffness of heart tissues. The condition describes the unbearable pain in the heart and chest. By the time, it can become worse. Through years of discovery, scientists find the best solution is gene-editing.
Early in 2017, the team of scientists at OHS university experimented with CRISPR on HCM. To the surprise, the outcome did great. Out of almost 54 human embryos, 36 showed promising results. It stated that these are now totally free from disease. It Marks a huge success in the medical industry.
On the other hand, 13 embryos became partially resistible. By means, they still have a 50% chance to carry the disease. The results proved to be a success in eliminating Genetic disorders.
Eliminating Mosquitos
Scientists are putting together to bring down the transmission of these diseases. Of them, Fever, flu, and Malaria are easily caught. Do you know why? Because they all have the same transferring agent.
The dreadful pests, mosquitos. Well, scientists assumed to slow down their productivity. By editing the genes, they created wingless, three eyes, and yellow-colored mosquito. They believe these traits are transferable from parents to offsprings.
Thus, the new specie will likely take over. The experiment is carefully conducted. So, scientists feel excited about the results. With the consideration that one day the present specie of mosquitos will go extinct.
Processing Healthier Food
Aside from genetic mutations, CRISPR is widely used worldwide. Be it the enhancement of physical traits of eliminating genetic disorder. The new technology is making its way to take over the future.
CRISPR is marking its success in the agricultural industry. The gene-editing tool is now applicable to amplify the crops. Yes, that is correct. Scientists in New York used this technology to increase tomato production. It proved to increase the size of tomatoes.
That being said, now we can process healthier food with the help of CRISPR.
CRISPR – Cons
Off – Target effect
Precisely, the Crispr system states better outcomes than clinical performances. There are realistic chances of altered cells approaching the wrong target. Further, the Crispr can lose the goal and create its effect elsewhere in the genes.
These alterations do not relate to the point of target contact. Thus, the variation creates an Off-target Effect in Genome. It can result in influencing other genetic factors. Likewise, it does sound like a nightmare.
Besides, Who would want to have two colored eye kids. A blue and a brown eye kid? Of course, no one.
Large DNA Deletion
The CRISPR possesses an enzyme called Cas9. The use is to alter the Strands of genes.
The process involves the protein to cut out the target part of the cell. Which then results in activating the reconstructing mechanism of the cell.
The process is considered fruitful to alter defective parts in DNA. Unfortunately, it can sometimes do not show the proper result. In that case, the altered part of the DNA remains ghosted. Sadly, it cannot recover with time.
There is no way to recuperate the particular lost segment. Inadequately, it can cause Large DNA deletion or rearrangement of DNA segments. Further, which is incorporated in chromosomes resulting in unknown deficiencies.
Time Considerate
Another con of Crispr-cas9 technology is the process conduct. The system defines a proper pipeline process. Moreover, It requires highly established labs which can provide the genome editing support.
perhaps, Without a proper lab, there can be no proper conduct. The only best way to carry on the process is to optimize CRISPR-cas9. Well, the process is not as simple as it sounds. The optimization process is very difficult and time considerate.
So, It is better to go for established laboratories. Proper equipment encourages the utility of conducting adequate treatment. Hence, you can achieve better outcomes.
The above mentioned pros and cons of CRISPR describe the effectiveness and concerns of DNA alteration.
Conclusion
The innovations in medical sciences always surprise us. It emerges with deliberate techniques of reducing diseases. So on, CRISPR is yet an amazing gene-editing tool to alter down defected genes. It is the approach of editing the genome. Thus, it is widely used to reduce genetic disease mutations and enhance physical traits.
The pros and cons of CRISPR state its relevancy in treating complex diseases. Hence, the scientist believes that CRISPR will take over recuperative therapies.