Bioethics Reading

 After reading the article, "CRISPR gene editing tool used to treat genetic disease in an animal for the first time," by Peter Dockrill on January 4, 2016,  I was intrigued by the biotechonological advancements that were displayed. The article talks about how the CRISPR gene editing tool was used to treat a genetic mutation in a mouse for the first time.
   The acronym CRISPR stands for: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. This tool uses pieces of prokaryotic DNA with "short, receptive base sequences," along with pieces of spacer DNA which are exposed to foreign DNA like plasmids or viruses. The reason behind it is because the CRISPR gene is really an important component of the immune systems of bacteria and other unicellular organisms. For now, this tool is currently the simplest and most precise method of genome editing. 
   The article explained how CRISPR was used to treat the genetic disorder of DMD or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is caused by a genetic mutation which, according to the article, affects 1 in 5,000 human males. 
   Researchers from Duke University used an adult mouse model of DMD to carry out the experiment. The CRISPR system was programmed to cut out the dysfunctional exon on the protein of the gene, which urges the body's natural repair system to attach the remaining gene together.  This results in a functioning version of the gene that is shortened. 
  The technique was applied when the gene therapy was applied directly into the leg muscle of the mouse. It had been restored in strength because it had a new supply of dystrophin.
  According to the article, "They injected the CRISPR/AVV(virus) combination into the animal's bloodstream. This resulted in partial dystrophin corrections in other muscles throughout the body including the heart- which is significant, as heart failure is a common cause of death for patients of DMD."
  Overall, the results were promising, and with further research and development, the goal is to start clinical trials. This breakthrough shows the potential of many benefits to the many people with genetic disorders caused by mutations.  If other experiments conducted in the future are as successful, this system could be a game-changer. 
   This article doesn't show any potential risks from the study at the moment, but I believe some risks may appear. Overtime, there is a possibility that other diseases may develop if the important, though DMD causing gene is cut. 
  Although there are some risks, CRISPR is a great way to treat a disease like DMD, and in my opinion, the benefits outweigh the costs. Although it can cause inherited diseases, or restrict the function of genes that can kill cancerous cells, a way to stop DMD directly seems more beneficial. The constant suffering of  people with the muscle deteriorating diseases is more of a moral issue to debate. When someone is in pain, the instinct is to stop it as soon as possible. If it were me, I would like to live happily and live present, and focus on tackling the current issue rather than worrying about future risks. 

Diagram of how the CRISPR system functions

Visual aid to understanding the effects of the muscle deterioration caused by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Effects of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Works Cited

"CRISPR: A Game-changing Genetic Engineering Technique." Science in the News. N.p., 31 July 2014. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/crispr-a-game-changing-genetic-engineering-technique/>. 

"CRISPR." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CRISPR>. 

CRISPR/CAS9 diagram. Digital image. Advanced Analytical Automating Genomic Discovery. N.p., 2015. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.aati-us.com/instruments/fragment-analyzer/crispr/>. 

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Effects. Digital image. Genetics Home Reference. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/duchenne-and-becker-muscular-dystrophy>. 

"Gersbach Lab." In Vivo Genome Editing Improves Muscle Function in a Mouse Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. | Gersbach Lab. N.p., Jan. 2016. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://gersbach.bme.duke.edu/publications/vivo-genome-editing-improves-muscle-function-mouse-model-duchenne-muscular-dystrophy-0>. 

Muscular Dystrophy Diagram. Digital image. Pintrest. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.pinterest.com/explore/muscular-dystrophy-symptoms/>. 

Skerrett, Patrick. "Experts Debate: Are We Playing with Fire When We Edit Human Genes?" STAT. STAT, 09 Mar. 2016. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.statnews.com/2015/11/17/gene-editing-embryo-crispr/>. 

"What Is CRISPR-Cas9?" Facts. The Public Engagement Team at the Wellcome Genome Campus, 19 Dec. 2016. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-crispr-cas9>.