DNA EDITING AND THE PROSPECTS FOR TREATING DISEASES WITH CRISPR-CAS9

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.15941022402121

• Palavras-chave: CRISPR-Cas9, gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 cancer, genetic mutation and gene therapy.

• Keywords: CRISPR-Cas9, gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas9 cancer, genetic mutation and gene therapy.

• Abstract:

  The discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 technique represented a major breakthrough in the history of biotechnology and medicine, bringing major advances to genetic research and the treatment of diseases, including genetic disorders. The method stands out for its low cost and precision in genome editing, however, it still raises ethical questions and concerns about possible errors. In this study, a narrative review was carried out using the SciELO, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases, with articles from 2014 to 2023, surveying the exploration of CRISPR-Cas9, its therapeutic applications in complex diseases, such as the manipulation of cancer-related genes and the existing challenges regarding the efficient delivery of the technique, as well as ethical issues, which have implications for gene editing in the germ line, with implications for future generations. In general, it is described as "molecular scissors", which allow two strands of the DNA double helix to be cut using the Cas-9 enzyme, making it possible to insert a new strand, replace elements in the DNA chain or correct genetic errors. The case of scientist He Jiakui, who created genetically modified babies, highlighted the need for strict ethical regulations. Considering the analysis presented, it is a technique with great potential, which promises great efficiency in its results, but brings with it a series of ethical concerns.