For Prelims: Base Editing, CRISPR-Cas9 Technique, Cancer, T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (T-ALL), Genetic Code, Genetic Engineering, Gene Editing. For Mains: Base Editing Technique and its Significance.
Introduction to Cancer Therapy Using Base Editing Technique
Recently, the United Kingdom scientists have achieved success in testing a new form of cancer treatment known as ‘Base Editing.’ This technique was applied for the first time on a T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL) patient.
Understanding Base Editing
Bases are the life’s essential language. Comparable to letters forming meaningful words in an alphabet, the billions of bases in our Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) formulate the instruction manual for our body. A misarrangement in this sequence can lead to fatal diseases like cancer. Using the base editing technique, the molecular structure of a single base in a genetic code can be modified, thereby changing its genetic instructions.
The Role of Genetic Code in Base Editing
A genetic code signifies instructions within a gene that guides a cell to produce a specific protein. Each genetic code uses four DNA nucleotide bases: Adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T). They form three-letter “codons” that specify which amino acid is needed at each position within a protein.
How CRISPR Technology Influences Base Editing
The CRISPR technology, an abbreviation for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is quite popular for its ability to alter genes, hence correcting errors in them. This method has been enhanced to change certain bases directly, such as C into G and T into A.
CRISPR: A Revolutionary Gene Editing Technology
CRISPR is a gene-editing technology used by research scientists to modify the DNA of living organisms selectively. This modification is carried out using a special protein named Cas9. This technology, often referred to as ‘Genetic Scissors,’ functions like the ‘cut-copy-paste’, or ‘find-replace’ functionalities in computer programs to help remove bad DNA sequence causing diseases and replace it with a correct sequence.
T-ALL: A Cancer Stemming from Bone Marrow
T-ALL affects the stem cells in the bone marrow that produce a particular kind of White Blood Cells (WBCs) named T lymphocytes (T-cells). These T-cells are responsible for providing immunity to an individual by attacking cells carrying infections, activating other immune cells, and regulating the immune response. T-ALL indicates a fast and progressive type of blood cancer where T-cells start damaging healthy cells instead of aiding in immunity.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Questions
During the 2019 UPSC Civil Services Examination, a question was asked about the Cas9 protein: ‘What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news?’ The answer options were: (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing (b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients (c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant (d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops. The correct answer was option (a), CRISPR-Cas9 is a unique technology that enables geneticists and medical researchers to edit parts of the genome.
This just goes to show how crucial it is to stay updated with the latest research and development achievements in fields such as biotechnology. Especially since these achievements can help uplift poorer sections of society through healthcare advancements.
