Bold scientist vows to eradicate HIV & Alzheimer’s.

A scientist known for stirring up controversy declares he plans to utilize gene editing in order to eliminate HIV and Alzheimer’s.

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The controversial Chinese scientist He Jiankui made headlines in November 2018 when he claimed to have used CRISPR gene editing technology to create HIV-resistant newborn twins. He faced backlash from the scientific community and was ultimately sentenced to three years in prison and fined for his actions. However, He is now focusing on using a different gene editing method called “base editing” to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative brain disease that affects millions worldwide.

He’s initial experiment involved using CRISPR to alter the sperm cells of HIV-positive men, removing mutations that cause HIV and inserting a chemical combination that conferred HIV-resistance. The altered sperm cell was used to fertilize an HIV-negative woman’s egg cell, resulting in the birth of twin girls named Lulu and Nana. While He claimed to have monitored the girls’ well-being, genetic scientists criticized him for unethically using untested technology on newborns who could not consent to the procedure.

Despite facing legal consequences for his previous actions, He is now focused on using base editing to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Base editing is similar to CRISPR but works by changing individual chemicals in a DNA strand rather than replacing entire DNA strands. This method is considered more precise and less prone to creating harmful mutations compared to CRISPR.

It is important to note that current U.S. laws and medical ethics guidelines restrict the use of gene editing on humans, with testing primarily conducted on laboratory animals. If He’s research on base editing proves successful, it could pave the way for potential breakthroughs in preventing incurable diseases.

CRISPR, which stands for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats,” is a tool used for editing DNA by identifying specific mutations that cause hereditary diseases and altering DNA strands accordingly. This method involves using guide RNA and Cas9 proteins to cut and replace DNA strands, effectively preventing certain diseases from developing.

In contrast, base editing functions similarly to CRISPR but changes individual chemicals in a DNA strand using an attached enzyme. This method is likened to a spell-checker that alters individual letters within words rather than replacing entire words at once. Base editing is considered more precise and less likely to result in harmful mutations compared to CRISPR, making it a promising avenue for gene editing research.

While He’s use of gene editing technology has been met with controversy and legal repercussions, his focus on base editing for preventing Alzheimer’s disease highlights the potential for advancements in medical research. It will be crucial for He and other researchers to adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory approval processes before implementing gene editing techniques in human trials.

In conclusion, the field of gene editing holds immense potential for addressing incurable diseases, with methods like base editing offering a more precise and controlled approach compared to traditional techniques like CRISPR. Continued research and ethical considerations will be essential in harnessing the power of gene editing for medical advancements while ensuring the safety and well-being of patients.

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