Gene Editing presentation on CRISPR-Cas9

Presentaion on the use of Crisper-CAS9 and 2 case studies

1. Genome Editing

2. What is DNA? DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid It is found in the nucleus of every cell in your body Made up of billions of small units called ‘nucleotides’, DNA folds up to look like a twisted ladder. DNA is the genetic code that determines your phenotype

3. What is CRISPR-Cas9? CRISPR- Cas9 are protein complexes They act as immune systems in many bacteria Guide RNA identifies and locates the DNA sequence to be edited Cas9 cuts genomic sequence open with a double stranded break A gene is inserted, edited, or deleted

4. How do viruses infect? Attachment – As virus enters body it will find the targeted cell by recognizing some special proteins called the receptors, and latch on to it. Entry – After the virus sticks to the receptor on the surface of the cell, it is brought inside the body of the cell Replication – the virus takes over the machinery of the cell to create its own copies of viral gene and viral proteins. Assembly – New virus particles are then formed using the materials created. Release – Once the new viral particles are assembled, they leave the cell to infect other cells, and this process usually kills the cell.

5. How could CRISPR-Cas fight viruses? Interfere when viruses are copying themselves Prevent virus from attaching to cell

6. Should we use CRISPR-Cas technology? What might be some benefits of using CRISPR? Could be able to treat genetic diseases Modify agricultural crops to be resistant against diseases Are there ethical issues that arise that we need to consider? Designer babies

7. Let’s look at two case studies Researcher He Jiankui, edited embryonic cells and implanted them. These cells were designed to have a mutation to protect the embryos against HIV. Before, CRISPR-Cas9 had only been used in mature cells, one that would not go into the germ line meaning the traits were not heritable Took a controversial leap in using CRISPR-Cas9 to since it would forever alter the germline Received a transfusion of edited stem cells to treat her sickle cell anemia Cells harvested stem cells are edited using CRISPR-Cas9 Cells are infused back into the body after a round of chemotherapy. These cells do not affect the germ line

8. Questions to Consider Who is being affected? Does the situation outweigh the risks? Who should have access to it? Should parents have the right to choose genetic modifications for their future children? Does that mean people with these traits living in today’s time less /more valuable in society? Should gene editing be used for conditions that are not immediately life-threatening, like the risk of HIV? Could He Jiankui's research lead to increased stigmatization or discrimination against people living with HIV? What are the potential long-term societal implications of gene-editing technologies on socioeconomic inequality? What are the potential risks or side effects associated with using CRISPR to treat sickle cell disease or HIV?

9. References Bradel17. (2020, May 27). GCSE SCIENCE (BIOLOGY): What is DNA and how does it work? Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.tes.com/en-us/teaching-resource/gcse-science-biology-what-is-dna-and-how-does-it-work-12319000 Cryanoski, D., Ledford, Heidi. (2018, November 29). International outcry over genome-edited baby clain. Nature. Retrieved October 08, 2020. Lewis, T. (2019, October 23). Scientists Program CRISPR to Fight Viruses in Human Cells. Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/scientists-program-crispr-to-fight-viruses-in-human-cells/ Lu, P. (2018, August 31). Better, Faster, Stronger, CRISPR: The Future of Gene-Editing and its Implications. Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.equaljusticeproject.co.nz/articles/2018/08/better-faster-stronger-crispr-the-future-of-gene-editing-and-its-implications Plater, R. (2020, July 06). First Person Treated for Sickle Cell Disease with CRISPR Doing Well. Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/health-news/first-person-treated-for-sickle-cell-disease-with-crispr-is-doing-well Plumer, B., Barclay, E., Belluz, J., & Irfan, U. (2018, July 23). A simple guide to CRISPR, one of the biggest science stories of the decade. Retrieved October 08, 2020, from https://www.vox.com/2018/7/23/17594864/crispr-cas9-gene-editing Virus. (n.d.). Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/VirusWhat is a virus? (2020, October 03). Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.mypathologyreport.ca/virus/ Xiao, Q., Guo, D., & Chen, S. (2019, March 22). Application of CRISPR/Cas9-Based Gene Editing in HIV-1/AIDS Therapy. Retrieved October 07, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6439341/