From the reporting by some scientists and the biotechnology industry, it would appear that CRISPR is scientific nirvana and its genetic precision allows for the reported breakthroughs. However, CRISPR also comes with potential risks and ethical concerns.
One major danger is off-target effects, where CRISPR accidentally edits the wrong part of the DNA, which could lead to unintended changes and potential harmful outcomes.
There’s also the risk of gene disruption, where altering one gene could have unpredictable effects on other genes or biological systems.
CRISPR is not precise. Similar DNA sequences elsewhere in the genome can confuse the tool, leading it to cut or edit in the wrong places. Even when CRISPR cuts the right spot, the DNA repair process by the cell can introduce mistakes or cause unintended changes.
In the most ominous situation as in the case of editing human embryos, changes could be passed down to future generations, raising concerns about unforeseen consequences for entire populations.
Moreover, CRISPR could be misused, such as creating harmful organisms or “designer babies,” leading to ethical debates about the limits of genetic modification. Precision has been called into question leading to genetic ‘mistakes’.
Is creating the “perfect baby” possible with CRISPR technology or too risky?
Creating human babies with CRISPR involves editing the DNA of embryos at a very early stage to introduce specific changes. Here’s how it works in simple terms:
1. Creating or Obtaining Embryos: Scientists start with embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF), where eggs are fertilized by sperm outside the body.
2. Targeting the DNA: Using CRISPR, they identify the specific part of the embryo’s DNA they want to change, such as a gene linked to a genetic disease.
3. Editing the Gene: A guide molecule directs the CRISPR-Cas9 tool to the exact location in the DNA. The Cas9 protein then cuts the DNA, allowing scientists to remove, repair, or replace the targeted gene.
Allowing the Embryo to Develop: After the DNA is edited, the embryo is monitored to ensure it develops normally. If deemed safe, it could then be implanted into a person’s uterus to grow into a baby.
In summary, changes made to the embryo’s DNA are permanent and can be passed down to future generations. There are ethical concerns, including the risks of unforeseen side effects, as well as the moral implications of editing human life creating “designer babies”. This is not what was intended by nature.
These challenges highlight the need for responsible use and thorough research before widespread adoption. The FDA, USDA, EPA, and NIH are responsible for the oversight depending on the specific field of application of the technology. Can we trust those agencies to do their job? As CRISPR technology advances rapidly, there is ongoing debate about whether current regulations and regulatory bodies are sufficient to address its unique challenges and potential risks.
For $159 on Amazon®, anyone can purchase crop-altering lab kits. (1) Where is the oversight on the unregulated consumer market?
Will a high school student be able to design babies in their home garage?
Unlikely, however, it is clearly demonstrated that there is a lack of oversight and the need for highly controlled regulation.
References:
• https://www.amazon.com/Edvotek-210-Maize-ing-Editing-Experiment/dp/B0C831S5NM/ref=sr_1_3
• Greely, HT. CRISPR’d babies: human gremlin genome editing in the ‘He Jiankui affair’; Journal of Law and the Biosciences: 2019 Aug 13;6(1):111– doi: 10.1093/jlb/lsz010
• Marx, V. The CRISPR children; Nature Biotechnology; volume 39, pages 1486–90 (2021)
Ferguson, K. In the Spotlight: The First Gene-Edited Babies; EuroStemCell; April 2020 (https://www.eurostemcell.org/spotlight-first-gene-edited-babies
Michelle Perro, MD, DHom is a veteran pediatrician with over four decades of experience in acute and integrative medicine, co-founder and CEO of GMOScience, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
More than fifteen years ago, Dr. Perro transformed her clinical practice to include the health effects from GMOs and their associated pesticides. She has worked as both Emergency Room Director and Attending Physician from New York’s Metropolitan Hospital/New York Medical college to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, Oakland, CA.
Dr. Perro has co-authored the highly acclaimed book, What’s Making our Children Sick. Stay tuned for her upcoming book, Making our Children Well, an instructional guidebook for parents on nutrition and homeopathy.