Authored by: Venkat Rao
CRISPR gene editing technology became a game changer in genomic research when the genome editing technology was reported by Emmanuelle Charpentier of the Max Plank Unit for the Science of Pathogens, and Jennifer Doudna of the University of California, Berkeley, for which they were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. CRISPR, more attractively called in the media as “Genetic Scissors” is basically what the technology is about—highly accurate editing of specific sequences of genes and re-attach back the genome to completion—sort of a cut and paste steps.
Much of the CRISPR technology related research and development applications has focused on the basic biological research and development of new therapeutics to treat human diseases. However, new efforts are underway to further extend CRISPR to modify the genomes of plant cells with likely phenomenal implications on the food and agriculture industries. According to a report published in the recent Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News, food and agricultural sectors are likely to be the biggest beneficiaries of the CRISPR technology in the near future.
Conventional gene manipulation methods use genetic mutagenesis to introduce random changes in the genome creating a library of mutants from which a laborious selection process is used to identify the variants with desired phenotypic properties, in most cases with a single change to the DNA. CRISPR, on the other hand, can precisely edit (make changes) to the gene, and multiple changes, if needed to obtain a variant with multiple desired property, without the need for laborious steps to select the desirable variant from a library of randomly generated variants.
The increased level of precision in gene editing through CRISPR is transforming the conventional genetic manipulation methods. For Example, plant genetic research with conventional methods is laborious and time-consuming targeting a single genomic trait often yielding mixed results on the genetic modification outcomes. In contrast, CRISP researchers working on plant genome target multiple genomic changes through gene editing and use artificial intelligence to identify target genes for editing. This process is fairly rapid compared to conventional methods and have yielded promising results on important crops such as wheat, soybean, corn, and rice. CRISPR technology has made creation and production of genetically modified food products faster and obtain the desirable quality in the final product much more reliable.
Another example cited is the potentials for CRISPR gene editing technology to develop sustainable trees. Yes, this technology when applied to arboreal research would yield a plethora of novel tree variants with greater genetic diversity and quality of products such as timber, secondary biologically active chemicals, and fibers for industrial uses.
Why could “Gene Scissors” potentially save the planet?
With the anticipated growth in the global human population, one of the most critical industries will be the food and agricultural sector. Although growth and production in agriculture has improved significantly in the past few decades, challenges due to population growth, disruption in climate pattern, shortage of potable water and new and emerging plant and veterinary infectious diseases are beginning to create dire resource constraints and supply-demand challenges.
Application of CRISPR technology in agricultural research and product development ventures could dramatically alter the quality and quantity of food and agricultural commodities supply to meet the growing global demand. The advantage of precision in gene editing and option to perform multiple precise changes in the genome, together with scalable production with minimal environmental impact, offers the best of both meeting the demands for increased food supply and causing minimal adverse impact on valuable resource utilization and environmental protection.
Use of artificial intelligence (AI) with CRISPR technology removes the trial-and-error approach in the conventional gene manipulation and selection from a random library of variants. Artificial Intelligence-guided methods create precise design criteria for gene scissors to cut and paste only at the target site selected for design changes. This level of precision is possible in the current use of AI and CRISPR technology in agricultural research.
Scientists believe CRISPR technology platform offers the much-needed tool to respond to the growing demand for food and agricultural products together with environmental sustainability, product reliability, and ease to rapidly scale-up production in large quantities to meet the global demand. Other advantages are the relatively less demand it placed for key resources and leave minimal environmental footprints. Gene scissors targeting soy, corn, and wheat—the three crops that feed the largest segment of human population has the potential to totally redraw the quality and quantity of food commodity supply, at the same time placing minimal demands on environmental resources.
CRISPR technology is a typical example of a 21st century technology that can totally revolutionize genomic research. Its applications in the food and agricultural sector could have far reaching beneficial impact to humanity and the planet, at large.
In conclusion, yes, “Gene Scissors” could save the planet!