In the recent past, genetic engineering techniques have been credited with revolutionizing the medical sector by facilitating the treatment of genetic and other chronic diseases.

Such techniques include the famous CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing tool, which utilizes a pair of RNA molecules to conduct targeted DNA cut and paste operations. While CRISPR was initially considered a miracle cure for genetic disorders, recent studies suggest otherwise.

There is now mounting evidence that the gene editing effects are likely to be long-lasting, with far-reaching implications for medical researchers and practitioners. This article explores some of these long-term implications.

Background

CRISPR is an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. The tool is utilized to make precise alterations to the DNA, the code that carries information for the functioning of all living organisms.

By using a pair of RNA molecules that are programmed to bind to specific DNA sequences, scientists can create targeted cuts in the DNA code. The process becomes necessary in instances where the genetic code contains a mistake that results in a genetic disease.

Theoretically, after targeting and cutting the misplaced code, the faulty code could be replaced with the “correct” DNA code.

The Study

A recent study published in the journal “Nature Communications” shows that the CRISPR gene editing technique is not as transient as initially thought.

Mice, which were subjected to CRISPR/Cas9 mutations in the time of their embryonic or adult stages, experienced significant mutations in their DNA sequences ten months after the original gene editing. During analysis, the sciatic nerves of the mice with the CRISPR-mutated DNA exhibited lower conduction velocity compared to those of the mice that were not mutated.

Additionally, certain fine motor tests on the mutated mice indicated decreased physical function compared to their non-mutated counterparts.

The Implications

The study highlights the long-term implications of gene editing, particularly on human gene therapy. The results indicate that effects of CRISPR may be long-term and possibly permanent, far beyond the duration of the initial genome alteration process.

The study also indicates that current risk assessments of gene editing may be inadequate, and more research must be carried out to determine the safety of gene therapy.

Medical World Reactions

The study has elicited mixed reactions from medical experts and practitioners.

Some scientists believe that the study is cause enough to question the practicality of gene therapy in humans, while others argue that the risk of using gene therapy has always been known to be complex. Supporters of gene therapy believe that this study should only serve as fuel for more in-depth research into gene therapy safety rather than a deterrent to the potential benefits of CRISPR.

More insights are needed before drawing conclusions on the safety of gene editing inside human bodies and potential benefits for human health.

Future Recommendations

Based on the findings of the recent study, the authors recommend further research on CRISPR gene editing to determine the extent of the potential risks.

Also, safety regulations should be instituted for managing CRISPR gene editing for clinical applications. Furthermore, the authors suggest that more research is necessary to establish any long-term effects of CRISPR gene editing that may weaken the DNA sequence and lead to unforeseen health-related problems in patients.

Conclusion

The recent study provides evidence that CRISPR gene editing techniques can have long-lasting effects that could alter the DNA sequences of living organisms irreversibly.

While this raises concerns over the practicality of gene therapy, the medical world should not give up on CRISPR. Instead, the medical community should see this as a call to increase research efforts aimed at finding safer ways of utilizing CRISPR in gene therapy.

However, at the same time, scientists should reevaluate the risks associated with gene therapy, examine their safety regulations, and take possible steps to prevent unintended, long-lasting medical complications.