Genetic engineering is coming?
DNA is the blueprint
of our life. DNA contains the instructions for building and running every part
of the human body. The transcription of DNA is really complex and mystery.
The BBC
News article “Dawn of gene-editing medicine” reports one baby named Layla,
who is going to die because of Leukaemia, was treated well by an experimental
therapy: genetically engineered immune cells. Some scientists predict Layla’s
story may be the dawn of gene-editing medicine.
Biochemistry is my major and I do some experiments
in my work. I am really happy and excited that Layla is rescued by gene-editing
medicine. This is a world first. Nowadays, a new DNA region is easy to synthesize.
We can take cells out of the body, modify and change DNA regions of a cell, and
give it back to patients. Yes, it is amazing and it is really can be done by
scientists. However, it is very difficult to target the very specific regions
of the genome. That’s the point why gene-editing can’t be applied to therapy. Layla’s
story opened up a whole new field. The technology is moving so fast. Scientists
use virus to “infect” cells with a healthy copy of the DNA targeting the right
sites of the DNA. So, I think disease of the blood and immune system, as well
as some other illness will be given a new way to treat in the very near future.
Layla is so lucky and she makes a new era. I think genetic engineering is on the way.
Reference
Gallagher, J., (2015, November 6). Dawn
of gene-editing medicine. BBC News. Retrieved from http://www.bbc.com/news/health-34744851
I think of we can edit the genetic of people, many genetic disorders such as Down syndrome, autistic, cancer or something like that can be treated. It is very exciting.
ReplyDeleteWe humans were probably already the most powerful tools nature has ever created on our planet for driving evolution. Thousands of years before 1859, we were already actively driving evolution of animals (dogs, for example) and the plants we ate. Now, we can more directly and dramatically manipulate the DNA that makes even us the people that we are.
ReplyDeleteNext: designer babies with super intelligence and Olympic bodies?
And now I'm feeling really out of date as I enjoy this morning's coffee.
It reminds me of the technology of 3D printing that used in bio-engineering field. We can now replace our new organs or limbs in case of the old ones having a problem. So far that the technology have gone, yet I still wonder why human life span do not significantly longer.
ReplyDeleteOne of my friends has ALS. He cannot move his body and has to sit in a wheelchair. The cause and the treatment of ALS have yet been found. With the progress of science and technology, hopefully this disease can be cured soon.
ReplyDelete