12.1 Technology Highlights

12.1.1 Highlight 1: mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2

This was an unconventional piece of technology when it first came out, but it had good efficacy and safety (so far).

Figure 12.1: Pfizer Infographic on mRNA Vaccines

Suffice to say that more and more mRNA vaccines will come in the future against other diseases and therapies for cancers!

12.1.2 Highlight 2: CRISPR-Cas9

Figure 12.2: CRISPR to Edit Genes

CRISPR uses a two-component system that utilizes recognizing RNA and a “cutting” enzyme (see above graphic).

Figure 12.3: Two Possible Outcomes of CRISPR Technology

CRISPR is revolutionary because it is:

1. Simple
2. Flexible
3. Efficient
4. Straightforward
5. Transgene free
6. Applicable to many organisms

For this reason, CRISPR is also becoming more and more of an essential toolkit as it finds its way in medical research, biotechnology, and agriculture.

12.1.3 Highlight 3: gene drive

This is a gene modification technology that allows for changes in the probability that a specific allele will end up in an offspring. For this reason, gene drives are an effective way to modify populations and even entire species.

Figure 12.4: Schematic of Gene Drive Technology

Gene drives can arise via a variety of mechanisms such as the homing endonuclease gene (i.e., HEG) and only affects sexually reproducing species.

Gene drives have the ability to disrupt or even modify genes when combined with CRISPR-CaS9 technology.

12.1.4 Highlight 4: GM plants and animals

12.1.4.1 GM animals

Figure 12.5: Making Genetically-Modified Animals

These animals are a result of foreign DNA entering (either physically or via a vector) into fertilized eggs or embryonic stem cells. From then on, homologous recombination will integrate the newly-uptaken DNA to replace the original copy.

GM Salmon is the first GM animal to enter the human food chain - some other animals that have been genetically-modified include rats, birds, dogs, cats, and mice.

12.1.4.2 GM plants

Figure 12.6: Making Genetically-Modified Plants

This is mostly done via agrobacteria that deliver DNA into a plant’s cell and thereafter, induced to generate new plants.

Unlike GM animals, new genes are randomly integrated into the host genome via the non homology end joining (i.e., NHEJ) mechanism.

New GM plants are now brining more benefits to human health and the environment - with many events being approved, GM plants and their products are also now becoming part of our diet.