The next step in gene editing
9th February 2016 - Last modified 12th January 2024
Written by Omee Ahmed.
After spending the better part of the past decade studying genetics, any news in the field grabs my attention. We blogged recently on the top topics in science from 2015. For one of these, Isabel, our senior science writer, talked about treading carefully in the era of gene editing. Specifically, the progression of and discussion around CRISPR/Cas9 – a technology that has evolved at a dramatic pace due to the work of academics and biotechnology companies alike.
We now have the real possibility of bringing extinct species back to life, creating disease-resistant livestock, and we already have enhanced crops.
The International Summit on Human Gene Editing, of which Isabel spoke, ended with a statement from the organising committee outlining their conclusions regarding the use of such technology now and into the near future.
One of these conclusions was the acceptance that research using gene editing, including that which involved modifying human embryos, could proceed with appropriate legal and ethical rules and oversight.
It wasn’t therefore surprising to see news outlets of all types reporting last week that UK scientists would soon be taking the next step: using CRISPR in human embryos for developmental studies. Gene editing has already been used in human applications: TALENs, an older technology, were used last year to modify white blood cells to specifically target drug-resistant leukaemia in a child. And rumours of Chinese scientists trialling CRISPR on human embryos did prove true.
The primary goals of the work to be conducted in the UK are to bring a better understanding of the causes of infertility and miscarriages. These are issues that affect people around the world, and the news will be seen as a sign of hope for many. And it has implications for work in other areas too, such as predisposition to genetic diseases and cancer.
The news has equally been met with some trepidation, understandably resurfacing discussions on the potential misuse of the technology – designer babies, reducing genetic diversity, creating a class of atomic supermen with 8 limbs or cannons in their chests – okay, maybe not the last one.
But caution is understandable, and it’s important that writers make sure important topics such as this are presented in an appropriate and understandable way for the intended audience. I’m pleased to say that many of the major news outlets got this right. Presenting the facts, and a balanced argument. At Alto, as scientists ourselves, we understand how important it is to present information appropriately and take this very seriously.
There’s no way to be sure how far humans will take gene editing. It is a technology that brings with it amazing possibilities. As our understanding of the technology and its implications evolve, so too will laws governing its use. Who wouldn’t want to see the end of infertility, or a real life mammoth? And hypoallergenic cats? – Yes please.
Call me an optimist, but I look forward to finding out what we can achieve with (properly regulated) gene editing, as well as the next technological marvel.
If you’d like to find out more about our writing services, please do get in touch.
Written by Omee Ahmed – Account Executive
