What we should know about CRISPR technology

Science has indeed gone a long way to the point of editing our genes, says Steven Rindner. Leading such scientific breakthrough is the CRISPR (pronounced as ‘crisper’) technology which is a powerful tool to edit and modify genes, which hopes to prevent mutations that may affect a person’s health. Here are a few things that we need to know about CRISPR.

What is CRISPR?

CRISPR stands for ‘Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats,’ says Steven Rindner. It is also popularly known as CRISPR Cas9, which recognizes the protein Cas9 (CRISPR associated) which acts like molecular scissors that cuts the affected strands of DNA. CRISPR technology has been inspired by the natural defense mechanisms of bacteria and archaea. These organisms use CRISPR-derived RNA and various Cas proteins, which include Cas9, to prevent the attacks of viruses and other foreign bodies.

CRISPR Cas9

Cas9 is a key player to CRISPR technology, explains Steven Rindner. The Cas9 protein is basically an enzyme that cuts an invading DNA. This protein joins two RNA molecules - crRNA and tracRNA (which means ‘trans-activating crRNA’) which will lead Cas9 to the specific location where a cut is required. Cas9 uses two separate regions, or domains on itself, to be able to cut the DNA double helix. This action is called by scientists as a ‘double-standard break.’

Limitations & ethical issues

There are limitations however with CRISPR, says Steven Rindner. First, it is difficult to deliver the CRISPR/Cas material to the mature cells, in large numbers. Second, it is not yet 100% efficient, and third, its less than 100% accuracy, although rare, may have severe consequences. In the ethical domain, CRISPR has the potential to alter traits instead of curing diseases. The scientific community called for a moratorium in this regard until full understanding is achieved on its ethical and societal implications.