Running Head: CRISPR Techniques on Humans 1

CRISPR Techniques on Humans:

Risks in Practicing CRISPR Techniques on Human DNA

Valeria Nava

University of Texas at El Paso

CRISPR Techniques on Humans 2

Annotated Bibliography based on the research question

What are the risks in practicing CRISPR techniques on human DNA?

Brooks, M. (2015). How to edit a human. New Statesman, 144(5260), 18-19.

This article summarizes the necessary information regarding the science and ethics of

performing CRISPR. According to this scientific article, the Chinese researchers came to

the conclusion that The chief attraction of doing this with an embryo-or even with eggs

and sperm containing faulty DNA- is that its a long-term fix. They also concluded that,

if the repair induces side effects, those are passed on, too. Information from research

proves how the use of CRISPR is a delicate process that can result in many genetic

problems that were not there in the first place. The embryos contained a disturbingly

high number of mutations in other parts of the genome. I could use this source to

demonstrate how gene editing is a highly conservative topic. The quotes in this article

will allow me to structure my paper as it directly relates to my main topic that involves

the risks of performing CRISPR.

CRISPR controversy. (2017). New Scientist, 235(3134), 7.

This periodical stresses the importance of proper protocol when using CRISPR

techniques on human DNA. The role of safety is also addressed throughout this source.

The use of gene editing does have the potential to cause very many dangerous side

effects, but it does provide several benefits. There was an experiment done on mice

without any definite procedures. A Harvard colleague viewed this experiment suggesting

that detailed protocol should be restated and conclusions should be written out in a

comprehensive format. This source is proof that CRISPR is highly regarded and that
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colleagues of prestigious status suggest a very detailed protocol. This source will allow

me to elaborate on the significance of proper procedures. For example, I will discuss how

important precision is because one mistake can disrupt DNA sequencing in its entirety.

Kozubek, J. (2016). Modern Prometheus: editing the human genome with Crispr-Cas9. New

York : Cambridge University Press, 2016.

This eBook emphasizes the benefits and perils of editing the human genome. The source

takes on both sides of the argument on whether or not CRISPR will be beneficial in the

near future. There is also an explanation on how diseases can be caused by a defect in just

a single gene and how this can be altered through genetic modification. In gene therapy,

the idea is to replace the defective gene with a cloned copy of the normal gene. In some

inherited diseases, the defective gene is not expressed at all, whereas in other, the gene

expresses a defective or inappropriate function (Kozubek, 2016). The uncertainty of

gene expression among different people is what make gene editing a difficult task to

successfully accomplish where some genes are not fully expressed in general. The

uncertainty of manipulating the DNA is a crucial idea that I will discuss in my paper, as

well as discussing how manipulation relates to epigenetics. This will ultimately

contribute to the argument that is skeptical towards human gene editing.

Kueh, A. J., & Herold, M. J. (2016). Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology for Manipulating Cell

Death Regulators. Programmed Cell Death, 253. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-3581-9_18

This book demonstrates the methodology for practicing CRISPR on deoxyribonucleic

acid of living mammals. The importance of the description of methods is crucial in

carrying out the proper results on test subjects. With the current practice on mice who

share a strikingly similar amount of DNA with humans, scientists are able to practice
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these techniques so that they can possibly be used on humans. The types of procedures

done on the test subjects include polymerase chain reaction, otherwise known as PCR..

The purpose of polymerase chain reaction is to amplify specific parts of the DNA for

sequencing. In this book, scientists are showing how CRISPR/Cas9 becomes an efficient

tool for performing specific mutations. The methodology will allow me to describe how

CRISPR is actually performed. Through this I will make connections to other parts of my

paper that take on a more ethical point of view.

Meilaender, G. (2017). Is Caution Enough? Commonweal, 144(7), 12-15.

This periodical addresses the ethics concerning human gene editing. The source describes

CRISPR as well as the ethical issues along with it such as religion and cultural aspects.

The author also discusses the, Heritable germline editing trials must be approached with

caution, but caution does not mean that they must be prohibited. The author uses this as

a metaphor in paralleling this information to the stop lights on the street. The gene editing

topic is discussed further as the author describes the possibility of enhancing, our

traits and capacities. The ethics of gene editing is paralleled to the stop light due to the

fact that the author believes that there is a point where gene editing can cause serious

consequences on society. The fact that this source is for human gene editing contributes

to my counterargument. The details described in this periodical will be important for my

counterargument as well as my main argument.

Tang, L., Zeng, et al.(2017). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in human zygotes using Cas9

protein. Molecular Genetics And Genomics: MGG, 292(3), 525-533.

doi:10.1007/s00438-017-1299-z
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This scientific article illustrates the precise details to how CRISPR can be used on human

DNA. It goes into the scientific detail necessary for explaining the functions of CRISPR.

The source also provides the meaning of the acronym, which stands for clustered

regularly interspaced palindromic repeat. The types of methods are also described

throughout the DNA analysis. This source is a well written scientific paper that

effectively explains the process of correcting point mutations within the zygote of a

human being. The discussion portion of the article refers to how CRISPR is not a current

option for use due to ethical and technical issues such as safety and mosaicism. I will use

this to explain the definition of CRISPR. Since the dangers are addressed, I will also use

this portion to structure my argument.

Terranoa. (2009). Epigenetics: The Hidden Life of Our Genes. Films On Demand.

This video provides information on a very important aspect that is greatly considered

when gene editing takes place. Even though all living things share similar DNA, not all

living things have DNA expressed in the same format. The way that DNA is

distinguished among different organisms is through epigenetics. Epigenetics defines how

each of our genes will carry out specific functions such as the development and growth of

the human body. Because genes are expressed differently among every human, it is

important to consider that gene editing is an extremely difficult task. The video serves as

a scientific basis for describing the biological aspects of DNA and the cell. Genes also

must find ways to cope with different environments. When genes are expressed,

structures will form resulting from that expression. Genetic experiments done on fruit

flies were demonstrated. Basic gene editing methods can be easily transposed unto

humans, such as editing the genes of the fruit fly. This information will allow me
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formulate an underlying basis for the understanding of genetic biology. For example, I

will use this to describe the limitations within genes and gene expression at the beginning

of my paper.