Summary
Highlights
In 2011, scientists created glow-in-the-dark cats by inserting a jellyfish gene, but their true goal was to make them resistant to a feline form of AIDS through DNA manipulation. Given that humans share 90% of their DNA with cats, this raises the question of whether we can engineer humans similarly to resist life-threatening illnesses. One scientist claims to have done so using CRISPR.
Genetic mutations are linked to numerous medical conditions. CRISPR is a gene-editing tool derived from bacterial proteins that naturally destroy invaders. Scientists have repurposed these proteins to target and eliminate genetic mutations related to disease. CRISPR works by locating a target gene, destroying it, and then repairing the DNA with new, healthy sequences, effectively editing the human genome.
While CRISPR edits can be quick, their effects can last for centuries, especially when applied to embryos. Altering a single embryonic cell can manipulate the genetic blueprint for every cell that follows, and these changes can be passed down through generations. This long-term impact is why most human embryo experiments remain in the lab.
Dr. He Jiankui controversially used CRISPR to edit human embryos, targeting the CCR5 gene linked to HIV infection. He then implanted these embryos, leading to the birth of genetically modified twins. Most scientists criticized this procedure, citing safety concerns, as studies suggest edited cells could trigger cancer or that CRISPR might accidentally target healthy DNA. While CRISPR offers potential immunity to disease, the long-term side effects remain unknown.