Gene editing has made massive progress over the past years and could revolutionize humans' future and live on earth. Here we look at the key things everyone should know.

1. 7 Things Everyone
Gene Editing
Needs To Know About

2. © 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
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IntroductionIntroduction
Gene editing has made massive progress over the past years and could revolutionize
humans' future and live on earth. Here we look at the key things everyone should know.
Our understanding of the human genome has continued to increase since it was first
accurately sequenced in 2003. Building on that success, biotechnology is advancing to
the point where it’s viable to alter the DNA encoded within a cell. This process is known
as gene editing. Understandably, gene editing has creepy connotations for some, but it
could deliver some drastic leaps forward in the fight against disease, as well as
delivering other benefits, like ensuring we have enough food to feed the planet. Here
are seven things you need to know about gene editing:
7 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Gene
Editing

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1. Gene editing can be used to “fix” harmful genes
Gene editing can have particular advantages when "bad" genes are detected – genes that
could endanger the health of the organism (be it a human, animal, or plant) or its
descendants. These harmful characteristics can, in theory, be altered. In humans, this could
ensure children do not suffer the same inherited diseases as their parents, or mutations
could be fixed before they result in disease. In animals, common problems associated with
certain breeds, such as breathing problems or susceptibility to blindness, could be
eliminated. And in plants, crops can be developed that are resistant to pests and disease.

4. © 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
2. CRISPR (pronounced “crisper”) is the method to
watch
There’s one particular method of gene editing that is showing enormous potential.
CRISPR, which was first developed in 2012 at the University of California, Berkeley, was
adapted from a naturally occurring gene-editing system in bacteria. Given that the human
body contains around 37 trillion cells, the microscopic scale involved in gene editing is
truly amazing. The nucleus, where most DNA resides, takes up around 10 percent of the
mass of a typical cell, so the level of accuracy needed to cut something that tiny is almost
inconceivable. At present, CRISPR is the simplest and most precise way of identifying
where a DNA strand needs to be cut and then splitting the strand.

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3. Gene editing could transform healthcare
Much of the work being done with gene editing is in the field of healthcare, with some of
the most exciting projects focusing on the “correction” of DNA mutations that can lead to
serious illnesses. In one example, gene editing has been shown to fix the mutation
responsible for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a devastating condition that affects one
in 3,500 young boys and results in early death. Gene editing for Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy has been trialed on beagle dogs, and the hope is it will lead to a viable
treatment for humans.

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4. Gene editing could solve the problem of food
allergies
Gene editing could also potentially eliminate the dangers caused by allergens. That’s
because the compounds and substances within foodstuffs such as cereals, dairy products,
and nuts that are responsible for allergic reactions can potentially be eliminated through
gene editing. In one project, researchers at Wageningen University in the Netherlands are
removing antigens in gluten from wheat, making it digestible for those with a gluten
intolerance.

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5. There are two main types of gene editing
Gene editing work carried out to prevent disease or improve health can be classified into
two types. The first is germline therapy, which can cause changes in reproductive cells
(eggs and sperm) and therefore cause changes that will be inherited by offspring. The
second is somatic, which targets non-reproductive cells and can potentially cure or slow
down the spread of disease in the target organism.

8. © 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
6. Many countries do not allow gene editing
Germline editing in humans is currently banned in many countries, including much of
Europe, as its long-term results are not understood. This will possibly change in the
coming years as a public discussion on the ethics and implications advances, or the need
for eradicating disease becomes more urgent. Interestingly, germline editing isn’t banned
in China or the US.

9. © 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
7. Gene editing could boost plant health, too
As well as human health, plant health can also be improved with gene editing. We all
know that vegetable and cereal crops are susceptible to pests and diseases. By editing
plant genomes, their resistance to these threats can be increased, leading to higher yields
and less dependence on harmful chemical interventions. For example, researchers at Penn
State University are working on creating genetically enhanced cacao trees that will be
resistant to the disease and fungus that destroys up to 30 percent of the worldwide cacao
crop before their pods can be harvested.
This is done by suppressing a gene that decreases the plant's ability to fight off infections.
As well as increasing the global supply of cacao (great news for chocoholics), this could
also hugely improve the livelihoods of cacao farmers, who are some of the most deprived
agricultural workers. At present, the cultivation of genetically modified crops is banned in
some countries, including the UK. However, many countries do permit the cultivation of
crops created by gene editing, with varying degrees of regulation. These countries include
Canada, China, the US, Australia, and Brazil.

10. © 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
7 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Gene
Editing
Gene editing is just one of 25 technology trends that I believe will transform our society.
Read more about these key trends – including plenty of real-world examples – in my book,
Tech Trends in Practice: The 25 Technologies That Are Driving The 4th Industrial
Revolution.

11. Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website
© 2020 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved© 2017 Bernard Marr , Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
© 2020 Bernard Marr, Bernard Marr & Co. All rights reserved
Bernard Marr is an internationally best-selling author, popular keynote speaker, futurist, and a
strategic business & technology advisor to governments and companies. He helps
organisations improve their business performance, use data more intelligently, and
understand the implications of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data,
blockchains, and the Internet of Things.
LinkedIn has ranked Bernard as one of the world’s top 5 business influencers. He is a frequent
contributor to the World Economic Forum and writes a regular column for Forbes. Every day
Bernard actively engages his 1.5 million social media followers and shares content that
reaches millions of readers.
Visit The
Website

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