Apr 8

Apr 8 S4.07 A brief history of CRISPR: how we learned to edit the genome

Episodes, History of genetics, Genetic engineering

Hello, and welcome to Genetics Unzipped - the Genetics Society podcast, with me, Dr Kat Arney. In this episode we’re taking a look at the history of gene editing, from the early days of restriction enzymes in the 1960s through to the CRISPR revolution and the very latest base editing techniques. But while these tools are undeniably powerful and hold great promise for treating disease, with great power comes great responsibility: what are the acceptable limits of genome engineering in humans, and will we see more CRISPRd babies in the future?

Before we start, a reminder to check out the new science podcast from First Create The Media and the MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences - Suffrage Science: how women are changing science looks at the journeys of women in science and the challenges we still face through conversations with inspirational women scientific leaders. In one recent episode I sat down for a chat with climate scientist Tamsin Edwards to chat about how best to communicate the uncertainties of science in a changing world, from climate to COVID to cancer.

Over the coming weeks we’ll be hearing from computing legend Wendy Hall, space scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock and neuroscientist of love, Mona Xu, so subscribe to the Suffrage Science podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

Learning to edit: the early days of genome engineering

Almost as soon as the structure of DNA and the genetic code were discovered, scientists started looking for ways to change them, starting with bombarding plants with radiation to cause mutations in the 1960s, before quickly moving on to more sophisticated editing tools - enzymes. Click here to learn more about the early days of genome engineering.

Hello CRISPR

To understand the origins of CRISPR, we have to go back to 1987, when a Japanese student discovered repeating sections of DNA in bacteria. Click here to find out more about the origins of CRISPR.

CRISPR in the clinic

Unsurprisingly, the applications of CRISPR have exploded over the past few years. Scientists are already busy using the tool to engineer crops that are more resilient to extreme weather conditions, livestock that is more resistant to viruses to increase agricultural efficiency and even pigs that make better organ donors for humans. Click here to discover how else CRISPR is being used.

That’s all for now. If you want to know more about Jennifer Doudna and her story, there’s a new book out about her called The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson. Just search your favourite book retailer, or follow the link from the page for this podcast at GeneticsUnzipped.com

We’ll be back next time taking a look at how researchers are combining genomics, artificial intelligence and large-scale functional experiments to unlock the health secrets hidden within the human genome and make better medicines.

For more information about this podcast including show notes, transcripts, links, references, music credits and everything else head over to geneticsunzipped.com You can find us on Twitter @geneticsunzip and please do take a moment to rate and review us on Apple podcasts - it really makes a difference and helps more people discover the show.

Genetics Unzipped is written and presented by me, Kat Arney, with additional research and scripting by Emily Nordvang. It is produced by First Create the Media for The Genetics Society - one of the oldest learned societies in the world dedicated to supporting and promoting the research, teaching and application of genetics. You can find out more and apply to join at genetics.org.uk. Our theme music was composed by Dan Pollard, and the logo was designed by James Mayall, and audio production was by Hannah Varrall. Thanks for listening, and until next time, goodbye.