Genetic modification
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Genetic Modification: Techniques, Applications, and Public Perception
Introduction to Genetic Modification
Genetic modification, also known as genetic engineering, involves the transfer of specific pieces of genetic code (DNA) from one organism to another to alter their biological traits permanently. This sophisticated process allows for the precise introduction of desired traits, such as increased yield or disease resistance, into target organisms, including crops and animals2 6.
Techniques in Genetic Modification
Gene Modification in Stem Cells
Gene modification of stem cells before transplantation enhances their survival and functionality in cell therapy. Techniques such as viral and non-viral delivery, siRNA, and conditional Cre/Lox P are used to construct gene cassettes that protect transplanted cells from immune rejection, inflammation, hypoxia, and apoptosis. These methods are currently applied in treating cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological disorders, bone defects, hemophilia, and cancer1.
Genomic Engineering in Model Organisms
In Drosophila, a genetic manipulation system called "genomic engineering" combines ends-out gene targeting with phage integrase phiC31-mediated DNA integration. This two-step process allows for the efficient and versatile modification of specific genomic loci, enabling the creation of various mutant alleles for research purposes3.
Genetic Modification of Brain Organoids
Brain organoids, which model human brain development and disease, utilize genetic modification techniques such as adeno-associated virus (AAV), electroporation, lentivirus, transposon, and CRISPR/Cas9 systems. These methods enable both transient and stable genetic modifications, facilitating advanced research in neuroscience10.
Applications of Genetic Modification
Agricultural Enhancements
Genetic modification is widely used in agriculture to create crops with increased yield and resistance to diseases. This technology has also been applied to dairy cattle to produce hornless animals and those with enhanced disease resistance, improving animal welfare, farm profits, and worker safety4 6.
Medical and Industrial Uses
Genetic engineering has led to the development of cancer drugs, brewing yeasts, genetically modified (GM) crops, and animals. Techniques such as PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis are used to identify and manipulate specific DNA sequences, enabling the creation of organisms with desired traits8.
Public Perception and Ethical Considerations
Attitudes Toward Genetic Modification
Public attitudes toward genetic modification vary based on the application and perceived purpose. For instance, genetic modifications aimed at improving animal welfare are generally viewed more favorably than those intended to reduce costs. Disease resistance in dairy cattle is more positively received than hornlessness, especially when the purpose is related to animal welfare4.
Ethical and Environmental Concerns
Genetic modification raises numerous issues, including scientific, technological, environmental, social, ethical, economic, and political concerns. While it offers unprecedented solutions for enhancing plants, animals, and microorganisms, the impact on the environment and human health requires careful case-by-case assessment5 7.
Conclusion
Genetic modification is a powerful tool with diverse applications in medicine, agriculture, and research. Techniques such as gene modification in stem cells, genomic engineering in model organisms, and genetic modification of brain organoids have revolutionized various fields. However, public perception and ethical considerations play a crucial role in the acceptance and implementation of these technologies. As genetic modification continues to advance, it is essential to balance its benefits with potential risks to ensure sustainable and ethical use.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Genetic modification of stem cells for transplantation.
Gene modification of stem cells enhances their survival and increases their function in cell therapy, with potential applications in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, neurological diseases, bone defects, hemophilia, and cancer.
Highly CitedGenetic Engineering
Genetic engineering involves transferring selected genetic code (DNA) from one organism to another organism's cells, altering their biological traits for desired traits, such as increased yield or resistance to certain diseases.
Highly CitedFrom the Cover: Directed, efficient, and versatile modifications of the Drosophila genome by genomic engineering.
Genomic engineering in Drosophila allows for efficient and versatile modifications of a gene into nearly any desired mutant allele, with more than 70 unique alleles generated at six different genes.
Highly CitedPublic attitudes toward genetic modification in dairy cattle
Public attitudes towards genetic modification in dairy cattle are more favorable for disease resistance than hornlessness, with attitudes being more favorable when the purpose is animal welfare or reduced costs.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Rigorous Journal