In August 2016, Chinese researchers will begin an experiment to edit adult DNA using the revolutionary CRISPR / Cas-9 technology, widely known worldwide as CRISPR. Researchers will try to cut defective DNA from cells of patients with lung cancer, the disease of which could not be overcome with conventional procedures. This is reported by Sciencealert.com.
Chinese scientists have previously used CRISPR on nonviable human embryos without much success, but for the first time in world practice, a DNA editing tool will be used to treat an adult.
If successful, it is hoped that this could lead to further applications of CRISPR. CRISPR / Cas-9 technology allows researchers to efficiently cut and insert DNA back into cells. Animal studies have proven the effectiveness of this tool in the treatment of genetic diseases such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
A new phase in medicine (possibly) begins at Sichuan University's West China Hospital. The experiment will involve patients who have already undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy - in other words, hopeless.
In the past, scientists have spoken out about the ethical concerns of using the CRISPR tool, which can induce genetic changes in sperm and eggs that can be passed on to future generations. Some have expressed concern that this could lead to the development of "designer" children - parents may choose certain personality traits to write in their child's DNA.
But it's important to note that the new Chinese study will only edit the immune system of patients' T cells, without affecting the gametes of the cells, which can be passed on to offspring. The changes made by CRISPR will be limited to the number of patients participating in the trial, a figure that has yet to be revealed.
During the research, Chinese scientists will extract T cells from patients' blood and remove the gene that makes a protein called PD-1. This protein prevents T cells from identifying and killing cancer cells.
The team will multiply these new CRISPR-modified T cells in the laboratory and then implant them back into the patient's body to be implanted into the immune system. The idea is that PD-1 suppressed T cells will be able to track down and destroy lung cancer cells naturally.
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CRISPR / Cas-9 is also capable of inserting new DNA into the cell's genome. This process is similar to immunotherapy, scientists can extract immune cells, genetically modify them, and inject back into patients. Gene editing has already saved the life of a girl diagnosed with incurable leukemia.
CRISPR is noted to be incredibly simple and versatile. While in the past it took scientists years to create the right molecular scissors to cut out specific genes, CRISPR can be programmed to work anywhere in the genome.
Last year, the US National Institutes of Health approved similar trials. As part of the American experiment, an additional gene will be used to fight three types of cancer - melanoma, sarcoma and myeloma. US research may begin this year, but China will be the first to test this incredibly powerful tool on a living person.
