Overview of how Genomics and CRISPR Technology apply to human research:
Genomics & CRISPR Technology in Human Research
1. CRISPR and Gene Editing
CRISPR/Cas9 truly revolutionized the concept of genetic research and opened up newer possibilities related to human health with its gene-editing approach. With this technology, the researchers will be further taken to help reach a certain portion of the human genome with great precision for editing purposes. Though originally applied in simpler organisms, in recent times this has been applied in human cells and even in some cases to human embryos for research purposes.
A few of the important areas of human research on CRISPR Gene Therapy include: The major application of CRISPR regarding gene therapy can be attributed to editing genes in genetic defects; this can further lead to overcoming such disorders. For that, the approach is knocking out the causative mutation that could give rise to any disease may utilize the patient's stem cells for research purposes. An example being sickle cell anemia.
Cancer treatment: It is under research, too, for editing the immune cells like T-cells to make them more efficient in their pursuit of finding the cancerous cell for destruction. Various stages of clinical trials are in process for leukemia, lymphoma, and a few types of cancers.
HIV Research: This can theoretically target and clear the virus from infected cells, one direction in which a potential cure for this deadly viral infection is presently being pursued through.
2. Genomic Sequencing in Human Health
Advances in genomic sequencing-most of them through NGS-have revolutionized insights in human genetics. By sequencing the genomes of individuals, researchers are able to identify those genetic variations that cause a wide range of diseases.
Salient Features of Human Research in the Field of Genomics: Personalized Medicine: The genomic data allows the doctors to treat the patients in a special way-keeping the particular patient in mind. In other words, for instance, if the patient has some sort of genetic variation, then because of that particular variation, the particular therapy or a type of drug will act even more.
eNature of the research on rare diseases: Sequencing allows for the identification of responsible genetic mutations in various undiagnosed cases of rare diseases. Thus, it may shine a light on those genetic causes and, perhaps treatments.
Disease prevention: this genomic data may also be used in assessing susceptibility to such conditions as heart disease or Alzheimer's diseases, which may allow early intervention and preventive measures.
**Pharmacogenomics**: The study of genes responsible for determining one's response to drugs. This allows for appropriate selection and drug administration in persons with specific genetic backgrounds with higher efficiency and lower side effects.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Whereas CRISPR and genomics are revolutionary, there is also considerable ethical concern in the use:
Germline Editing: Changes in either the embryo or germline cells, genetic bequest has consequences for offspring through the passing of genetic material. It also brings into ethical debate questions of unknown side effects and "designer babies." Gene Patents: Ownership of genetic data and technologies like CRISPR have opened many questions as to the intellectual property of these life-saving technologies.
Equity and Access The more these technologies are developed, the more germane questions become about who will have access to them, and if they might widen current health disparities.
Recent Human CRISPR Research Papers
For those who wish to do some deeper reading regarding specific research articles on CRISPR in humans, here's a selection of a few such recent papers from the literature:
1. "CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Human Genetic Disease"
The present review outlines the application of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to human trials of gene therapies and states such current targets of the methodology as sickle cell anemia and muscular dystrophy diseases.
2. Gene Editing and Human Enhancement
Ethics involved in this paper on the use of CRISPR technology not just for eradication of diseases but even to enhance aspects of human ability such as intelligence or specific physical abilities of the human character.
3. "Application of CRISPR in Cancer Immunotherapy"
The application of CRISPR in editing immune cells for more powerful treatment against cancers turned out to be promising evidence in early clinical trials.
4. *Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing in Human Health"
A review article on the current role of NGS in genomic medicine-from identifying the causative mutations of a disease up to its role in diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
One can also view these on **PubMed**, **Google Scholar, or most university libraries. Just let me know if you are interested in these studies or need the links.
