3 ms·
Here's fairly approachable summary of some of the risks: https://www.synthego.com/blog/crispr-cancer-research-studies https://www.synthego.com/blog/crispr-cance
by aaavl2821 7y ago
Here's fairly approachable summary of some of the risks: https://www.synthego.com/blog/crispr-cancer-research-studies https://www.synthego.com/blog/crispr-cancer-research-studies
This discusses a few papers showing that CRISRP-Cas9 can cause "off target" mutations in a tumor suppressor gene called p53. If these mutations render p53 non functional it is possible that these cells can become cancerous
That is one of the specific risks identified although there are in theory other risks
- LordDragonfang 7y agoSeveral people elsewhere in the thread are discussing the possibility of bioweapons engineered to target specific ethnicities. Wouldn't it be just as feasible to create something similar that would specifically attack cells with a mutated p53?
- vikramkr 7y agoI dont think the cas9 is causing the off target mutations according to those papers, it's more potentially selecting for cells with already dysfunctional p53 in those few cell lines by inducing a p53 mediated dna damage response. It's in cells that arent going to go near humans and are pretty different in form and function than those used in trials, and while it's a risk to consider (not trying to downplay potential risks here- all new medicine and biology must be thoroughly evaluated for safety and risk), it's nowhere near a show-stopping demonstration that CAS9 mediated editing causes cancer and hasn't stopped clinical trials from moving forward
- aaavl2821 7y agoThanks for the correction, I was thinking of potential for off target edits that lead to cancer but you are right, that's the wrong article for discussion of off target