Invented by Professor George Church of Harvard University, the Crispr method acts like molecular scissors, cutting out damaged genes and replacing them with healthy code. And it is hoped that one day this method will cure genetic diseases such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy.
The Crispr method is based on a natural defense mechanism used by bacteria, which contain in their chains the genetic code of DNA belonging to deadly viruses so that bacteria can recognize them and fight them.
When bacteria detect a virus, they produce an enzyme that attacks it, destroying that region of code. Scientists use this technique to remove bad DNA code and replace it with a healthy gene. Last year, former NASA biochemist Josia Zayner put on stream the sale of an injectable muscle-building genetic cocktail. Crispr kits are now available online for around £ 150.
But this therapy has a more sinister side - in fact, dealers like Zeiner are asking people to do dangerous experiments on themselves.
This trend has led the FDA in the United States to issue a warning about the dangers of uncontrolled use of genetic therapies, while stating that such kits, intended for human use, are against the law.
Asked if Crispr could alter DNA to such an extent that it would render DNA identification unusable as forensic evidence, Professor Church replied: “We could easily do it today. A lot is determined by the blood, and even if you just undergo a stem cell transplant, you will get a new identity."
Distinguished professor of criminology at the University of Birmingham, David Wilson, warned of the dangers of DNA manipulation, as criminals constantly come up with new ways to evade the justice system.
But Dr. Alexander Gray, principal investigator at the Center for Forensic Medicine at the University of Dundee, considers the danger to be exaggerated. Although genetic editing in mouse liver cells has shown that the new DNA will eventually replace the organ's genetic code, it will be much more difficult to do this in humans. And in order to completely change a person's DNA, such radical genetic editing will be required, which is not possible at this stage.
Promotional video:
For example, in order to change a semen sample for DNA in the event of a rape, in order to influence a court decision with the Crispr method, the entire germ line would need to be changed.
However, we note that, covering their tracks, criminals have already begun to try in a limited way to evade prosecution by placing someone else's DNA at the crime scene.
Serg kite