SBIO Report: CRISPR Gene Editing, Risks, and Benefits Analysis

This report examines the benefits and risks associated with gene editing technologies, particularly focusing on the CRISPR tool. It highlights CRISPR's efficiency in modifying genes, its potential for curing genetic diseases, and its role in reshaping the human environment. The report emphasizes the importance of transparency and open discussion regarding the ethical and societal implications of genome engineering. It delves into the concept of disease correction as a key benefit, referencing the approval of in vivo gene editing for diseases like hemophilia B. The report also includes references to relevant research articles, such as those discussing human genome editing in clinical settings and the need for a prudent approach to genomic engineering and germline gene modification.

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Regardless of the risks associated with gene editing, some benefits prevail since the
technology via the use of CRISPR makes the process precise, easier and cheaper. For instance,
the CRISPR tool is powerful in enabling efficient modification, insertion, and deletion of genes,
effective at improving recombinant DNA clinical aspects. Additionally, the technology has a
high potential for curing most of the human genetic diseases as well as other non-human
organisms, making it possible to reshape humans and their environment to mutually coexist
through the reduction of genetic dangers posed by the environment. However, transparency, as
well as open discussion about the risk and benefits of such engineering technology, are vital in
optimizing society’s decisions and morals (Baltimore et al., 2015). Therefore genome
engineering is critical in aspects of bioethics although the formulation of appropriate policies
would help in propelling genome engineering towards paths that allow the creation of solutions
to challenges facing genetic health problems.
Besides, the concept of disease correction acts as a potential risk-benefit of human gene
editing. By undertaking the process of genome-editing, the health personnel concerned usually
consider correcting various diseases as the core goal which is threatened by the need of
maintaining societal morals. This goal can be effectively achieved by introducing appropriate
gene changes with the ability to correct the specific phenotypes of the underlying disease in vivo
(Abou-El-Enein et al., 2017). As a result, countries such as the United States approve in vivo
editing of genes by targeting various diseases such as hemophilia B. Also, the government has
set recommendations on follow-up procedures for patients with other underlying conditions.
Furthermore, in-human trials on diverse technologies for undertaking this process have been on
the goal of promoting health to people suffering from various forms of cancer. In this regard,

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there is a clear correlation between the practice of gene-editing and disease correction, indicating
a positive impact.

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References
Abou-El-Enein, M., Cathomen, T., Ivics, Z., June, C., Renner, M., Schneider, C., & Bauer, G.
(2017). Human Genome Editing in the Clinic: New Challenges in Regulatory Benefit-Risk
Assessment. Cell Stem Cell, 21(4), 427-430. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2017.09.007
Baltimore, D., Berg, P., Botchan, M., Carroll, D., Charo, R., & Church, G. et al. (2015). A
prudent path forward for genomic engineering and germline gene modification. Science,
348(6230), 36-38. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aab1028