SOMATIC CELLS

Nerve Cells

SKin cells

blood cells

muscle cells

somatic cells are...

almost all of the cells in your body except for reproductive cells. They make up most of your tissues and organs, including your skin, muscles, nerves, and blood. These cells are responsible for keeping your body running - helping you move, heal, think, and more. In simple terms, somatic cells are the everyday "worker cells" that build and maintain your body.

HOW ARE THEY ENGINEERINED?

Scientists introduce new genes or edit existing ones in somatic cells using tools like viral vectors (examples on main page). Technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are employed to make precise changes in the DNA of somatic cells. These edits can involve correcting a genetic mutation, disabling a problematic gene, or adding new, beneficial genetic material. Genetic engineering is performed directly inside the body. In this case, vectors or other delivery systems carry the genetic material to specific somatic cells. Along with this, cells can be extracted from the body, genetically modified in a lab, and then reintroduced into the body. Somatic cell engineering is primarily used to treat diseases such as cancer, genetic disorders, and certain types of autoimmune conditions.

SIDE EFFECTS

Somatic genetic engineering, while promising for treating diseases, can have potential side effects. Here are some key considerations:

Off-Target Effects: Tools like CRISPR-Cas9 might unintentionally edit unintended parts of the genome, potentially disrupting important genes or causing harmful mutations.

Immune Reactions: The immune system might recognize the delivery vectors (like viral vectors) or the introduced genetic material as foreign, leading to inflammation or other immune responses.

Temporary Effects: In some cases, the engineered changes may not persist long-term, requiring repeated treatments.

Insertional Mutagenesis: When using viral vectors, the integration of genetic material into the genome might disrupt normal genes, potentially leading to cancer or other issues.

Unintended Consequences: The complexity of biological systems means that even well-intentioned modifications can have unforeseen effects on cellular functions or overall health.

Advancements in technology aim to minimize these risks, but careful research and regulation are essential to ensure safety and efficacy.

ETHICS

Treatment of Diseases: Somatic engineering has the potential to cure genetic disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or cystic fibrosis, without affecting future generations. Ethically, this is seen as a positive application that can improve quality of life.

Individual Impact: Changes in somatic cells only affect the treated individual, avoiding a majority ethical concerns about altering the genetic makeup of future generations.

Safety Concerns: Questions arise regarding the potential risks, such as unintended mutations or immune reactions, and the responsibility to ensure safety before treatment.

Access and Equity: Ethical dilemmas emerge around the accessibility of somatic engineering. Who gets to benefit from this technology? Could it widen the gap between socioeconomic groups?

Enhancements: Using somatic engineering for non-therapeutic enhancements, like boosting intelligence or physical abilities, raises ethical concerns about fairness and societal implications. This connects to socioeconomic groupings because the rich will become better, while the poor struggle to climb to a higher status.

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