I believe that CRISPR Editing can be a problem and benefit in today’s society. This new genetic modification has been tested by numerous scientists in which this technological advancement can help with numerous traits in prevention of disorders. However, this can also breed negative impacts and ethical considerations if not handled responsibility or secured properly.
CRISPR Gene Editing
In the world of biocybersecurity, numerous scientists are working on producing babies through CRISPR editing. What is it exactly? According to the National Human Genome Research Institute (2023), CRISPR (short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a technology that scientists use to selectively modify the DNA of living organisms. How this technology works is that it edits genes by cutting DNA and letting the natural DNA repair processes take place. This is done in three steps which are: Disrupt, Delete, and Correct or Insert. Disrupt is the process when a single cut is made into the original DNA sequence which causes a gene inactivation. Delete is the process where a larger fragment of DNA can be deleted by using two RNAs, targeting the sites to separate and deleting the intervening sequence. Last but not least is Insert. This process adds a DNA template which allows the cell to correct a gene or insert a new gene through a process called homology directed repair (CRISPR Therapeutics).
A couple of benefits that CRISPR has is it can correct genetic defects, treat and prevent the spread of diseases, and improve the growth and resilience of crops (Lanese & Vidyasagar, 2023). Cas9 is the commonly known genome editing technology. Due to it being an RNA-based system, this is effective and genes can be modified easily compared to the protein based approach for targeting multiple sites. While this has been around for numerous years, new advancements made editing faster,cheaper, and efficient (National Institute of Health). However, this raises a problem.
Cyberethics
In today’s time, technology is rapidly being developed with new features and enhancements. Now with CRISPR gene editing, how can we be informed with these advancements ? A 20th century philosopher by the name of Hans Jonas (1973) addressed the overall aspects of cyberethics with his reflections. With current ethics, we aren’t aware of these rapid technological advancements. To prevent this from happening, we can be educated to get further insight.
In regards to this, Jonas (1973) states “The short arm of human power did not call for a long arm of predictive knowledge; the shortness of the one is as little culpable as that of the other” (p.37). Therefore, it is our duty to close the gap between predictive knowledge and technical knowledge. Without this type of knowledge, we will fall short and consequences will come into fruition.
As for cyber professionals, they can be informed as well. By this, they can implement this into their policies and train their employees to be knowledgeable about possible risks these advancements contribute. Also by having flexible and adaptable policies and infrastructure, this can withstand future attacks. Though this step will require a bit of precaution.
Ethical Considerations
According to Ledford (2020), CRISPR editing is too risky to be used in embryos for implantation, says an influential panel. In which, this is a problem in the medical field. This can introduce unwanted changes and long term effects. With unwanted changes, this can cause a bunch of chromosomal abnormalities or unwanted deletions. For example, a team from Columbia university tried to correct a mutation in an embryo;however, about 50% of embryos lost large segments of a chromosome. This can also lead to rearrangements, which some of these are missed during experiments (Ledford 2020). As for long term effects, it’s needed to study the physical and mental impact of those who were born with these modifications.
In continuation, National Human Genome Research Institute(n.d.) listed a couple of more ethical reasons for gene editing. To list a few are: safety, informed consent, and justice and equality. Safety is the most common concern in this technological advancement. With editing and creating genes in embryos, we don’t know the possible risks that come along with it. Some edits can take place within the wrong spot or some cells carry the modification while the others don’t. Most scientists agree that this can be used for research but not for clinical reproductive purposes. This can also introduce diseases since they aren’t met by specific disorders. Next is informed consent. Most people worry about these modifications because it’s difficult to obtain them and the upcoming generation of those who have been affected. Last is justice and equality. This may cause a division between classes. Only the higher class will have more access and have more benefits in healthcare with this advancement while others may not.
Since CRISPR editing encounters selection of DNA, another concern that may spark is who is accountable and has the rights in deciding these specific traits? Also would society accept this advancement, followed by the use of humans. Hypothetically, parents have the right to decide the specific traits. However, they can abuse this in giving traits to an embryo that isn’t a part of their genes and not preventing the disease. In which this could possibly lead to genetic consequences. As for society, this may be a new concept which may cause debate if it’s good or bad? As for human use, there is a fear that it can be used to create babies with enhanced traits that may result in a new societal group.
Implementation of the CIA Triad
With the rise of ethical considerations and concerns, the CIA triad might be able to combat these. The CIA triad serves as a model for security policies within an organization. Within the model, there are three concepts which are confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality protects sensitive information from any unauthorized user. This sets limits and boundaries in access to information. The second concept, integrity, involves keeping information consistent and creditable. All data must be accurate and unalterable in protection from malicious actors or unauthorized people. The last and third concept is availability. Availability makes sure that all information is accessible to any and everyone within the authorized network. In order to keep information in sight, systems must be maintained and updated.
Implementing those three concepts into this technological advancement can slightly improve safety. With confidentiality, scientists can protect the DNA data from unauthorized users and set boundaries in prevention of accessing files. Since these genes can be modified, integrity plays a significant role. Only authorized users are allowed to perform or document these alterations. If colleagues are present, the administrator of the project can grant permission for them to read only. This will prevent anyone from making edits to the document and also keeping the credibility. As for availability, the data can be backed up and stored. This will prevent any data loss. Also, as stated in the previous paragraph, the system must be maintained and updated. This will overall keep malicious actors from gaining access to DNA data and exploiting it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CRISPR gene editing technological advancements can be a benefit and a danger in today’s society. Since current ethics fail to inform us about these new enhancements, we can take this matter into our own hands and educate ourselves. This way, we are able to get a better understanding and sense of the possible future of this advancement. Ethical considerations raised questions on this advancement as well in whether it is safe. Most scientists claim that this can be used for research purposes and not for clinical purposes. While others argued that this could prevent further disorders or diseases. Other considerations focused on societal impacts. This can either create a sense of fear or division. If used inappropriately, this can introduce a new societal group. However, if we implement the CIA Triad into this system, much of the considerations and concerns would be combatted. Or they would be changed.
References
Chai, W. (2023, February 10). What is the CIA triad? (confidentiality,integrity, and availability? WhatIs.com. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/Confidentiality-integrity-and-availability-CIA
CRISPR/Cas9. CRISPR. (n.d.). Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://crisprtx.com/gene-editing/crispr-cas9
Jonas, H. (1973). Technology and responsibility: Reflections on the new tasks of … – JSTOR. JSTOR. Retrieved April 25, 2023, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/40970125
Lanese, N., & Vidyasagar, A. (2023, March 13). What is CRISPR, the powerful genome-editing tool? LiveScience. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.livescience.com/58790-crispr-explained.html
Ledford, H. (2020, June 25). CRISPR gene editing in human embryos wreaks chromosomal mayhem. Nature News. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01906-4
Ledford, H. (2020, September 3). ‘CRISPR babies’ are still too risky, says influential panel. Nature News. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-02538-4
Smith, M. (2023, April 18). CRISPR. Genome.gov. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.genome.gov/genetics-glossary/CRISPR
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020, November 5). Gene editing – digital media kit. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/gene-editing-digital-press-kit
What is the CIA triad? definition, importance and examples. Intellipaat Blog. (2023, January 30). Retrieved April 24, 2023, from https://intellipaat.com/blog/the-cia-triad/