If we don't, who will?
These are the powerful and resounding words of Jim Watson, one of the most recognized figures in the scientific history of humanity. While some of Watson’s views regarding the use of genetics are less than well-met by the scientific community, I believe that with the right limits and regulations, as well as strict moral guidelines, modification of the human genome would be a massive leap in humanity’s biological path.
To start, what is genetic modification? It is referred to most commonly as “gene therapy”. This is done through the use of specialized enzymes, naturally found in many bacteria, that search the genes of the cell it belongs to, and acts as a pair of scissors to cut out a spacific sequence of genes. In bacteria, this is used as a defense mechanism against invading viruses, and thus protects the DNA of the bacteria. Conveniently, scientists have found a use for these enzymes; to target the genes that are the culprit of genetic illnesses.
Firstly, with the understanding of the human genome and how exactly it forms the basis of everything that we are as individuals increases, so will the precision and effectiveness of pharmaceutical treatments of chronic illnesses. As we learn more about what specific genes cause illness and how they do so, we can develop vaccines and other treatments that will specifically target what is causing a particular ailment. Currently, efforts are underway to use gene-altering technology to treat leber congenital amaurosis, an inherited genetic condition in which a protein in the retina is not produced, or is insufficient in quantity. Those who suffer from LCA are often blind within two or three months after birth. Editas Medicine is hoping to use the same mechanisms that bacteria use to defend their genes from viruses as "biological scissors" to remove the affected gene. This is done with the gene-editing technology known as “CRISPR” which stands for Clustered, Regularly Interspaced, Short Palindromic Repeat, uses the same defence mechanism found in bacteria to cut out specific sequences of DNA. Rather than the DNA of invading viruses, these sequences may be genes that have undergone mutations that result in life-changing illnesses or medical conditions. Katherine Bosely, the chief executive at Editas, expects the first humans with genetically modified DNA to exist in as little as two years. With the technology of such level available, it would be an injustice to abstain from exercising this power. Furthermore, since many of these genetic illnesses are hereditary, to cure them would be saving future generations from suffering from those illnesses.
Secondly, like most revolutionary discoveries that affect the whole world, the act of modifying the human genome is one that concerns the whole world. A collaborative, international effort is required to establish proper regulations and ethical guidelines for the modification of human DNA; to lay out what is morally right and wrong with editing our genome is of top priority. When countries come together to tackle the a task this monumental, partnerships between countries previously separated by culture and economy will be formed on the basis of healing the sick and injured through genetic modification. If the responsibility to use genetic modification ethically, as well as accountability are shared equally amongst nations, each would be less likely to use this technology unethically.
Lastly, with the use of genetic modification, genetic illnesses can be cured at any stage in life; whether after birth, or even before birth, as amniotic fluids and the parents’ DNA can allow for easy disease detection, and thus early treatment using gene therapy. As genetic ilness are cured, we are improving the likelihood that future generations will suffer from those geneic illnesses. Although, genetic modifications will not prevent DNA from coming into contact with environmental mutagens ans carcinogens; but it may offer us some additional protection.
In conclusion, gene therapy holds the potential to benefit humanity on a monumental scale, both in this generation and in future generations. With responsible use and the right limits and restrictions, this technology will only be used for the betterment of the human race.
As well, see the attached link to learn more about CRISPR, the latest in gene-editing technology:
Works cited
- Cocokoreena. "DNA - Episode 5 of 5 - Pandora's Box - PBS Documentary." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Mar. 2013. Web. 18 June 2017.
- "The Ghana Immigration Case, Alec Jeffreys :: DNA Learning Center." DNALC Blogs. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 June 2017.
- Knapton, Sarah. "First Genetically Modified Humans Could Exist within Two Years." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 15 Mar. 2016. Web. 18 June 2017.
I enjoyed reading your blog post, and like how you touched on laws being established for gene alteration. If no laws are established, the technology will be used unethically. In my opinion, the process of conception and life is natural, and has been working for centuries. Once we play with the natural process of life, conception will not be natural anymore. In addition to the natural portion of life being taken away, altering DNA could cause harmful mutations. Overall, we are brought obstacles in life, and are supposed to conquer them in order to get stronger. Once we add genetic modification, the entire reason for life diminishes.
ReplyDeleteYou make some very agreeable points. I do agree that we should be able to alter the Human Genome but I believe that there should be laws in place as well. To prevent unethical use of this information. I do like how you included the quote from Watson himself as it was a very supportive detail in your argument.
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