by McKenzie Stalkenburg
When it comes to discussions of genetics, there’s always a concern that we’re getting too close to playing God. People worry about the fact that we might be able to create designer babies by manipulating genes at will, and the implications this might have for the population of the future. However, there is some real good that can be done in the here and now thanks to ongoing genetic research. Here are a few examples of that.
Gene editing and cutting
When it comes to future developments that could change our world, there are a lot of eyes on the initiative known as CRISPR. CRISPR, short for CRISPR-Cas9, is a tool that allows us to edit the human genome. For instance, one way that it could be used is to “cut” away infected DNA. Not only does this mean that we could potentially correct genetic defects and treat inherited diseases, but it could also have wider implications in helping us create healthier, hardier crops. There are major ethical concerns about CRISPR, as it is the first foray into changing the chemistry that makes up who and what we are, but a lot of interest and money is going into the initiative.
Selective gene testing
CRISPR is a tool that’s very much still in development, but there is work on genetics that is going on right now in the wider medical testing world. Live animal test subjects have helped us understand a lot more about our own genetics. After all, we share a lot of the same genes that can be found across the animal kingdom, specifically with mammals. The knockout mouse is one key example of how helpful this testing has been. With these mice, we can “knock out”, or deactivate, certain genes. This allows us to better see the function of certain genes, by knowing what happens when they’re inactive. It also allows us to test the efficacy of drugs much much better. Using NGS Amplicon Panels and similar genetic testing technology can even provide tools for individualised cancer-patient care, which may help to vastly reduce the harm of cancers in the future!
The utilization of genome testing
Genetics are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of medical conditions. For a long time, family history has been a risk factor that helps doctors look for symptoms related to conditions that have a higher risk of occurring. Now, however, genome sequencing could become available in health practices across the country, mapping a person’s entire genetic code, which can help provide a diagnosis for a range of unexplained conditions in as little as two to three weeks. As such, it can be shown, conclusively, whether genetic faults have been passed on from parent to child, which could eliminate the need for more invasive tests and allow for much quicker treatment.
Increasingly, the main threats to human life, from a disease standpoint, are largely influenced by genetics. From chronic conditions that are somewhat heritable to illnesses that can be passed on directly from parent to child, it’s clear that we still have a battle with genetics to win, and it may prove of great value to us all that researchers are willing to wage that war.