Aging is the result of the accumulation of mutations in the human genome, and to delay it, it is necessary to influence the genes. One way to do this is to edit them, but it’s a risky idea, says socialbites.ca’s interlocutor, a lead researcher at the Institute of General Genetics. NI Vavilov RAS, Professor of Genomics and Bioinformatics at the Siberian Federal University (SFU), geneticist Konstantin Krutovsky.
The use of gene therapy in the treatment of aging may face many challenges, including ethical issues and the development of undesirable effects.
“Everyone knows the scandalous story of He Jiankui, a Chinese biologist who edited the gene for two twin girls. At the end of 2018, He Jiankui announced the birth of twin girls, where he edited the CCR5 gene (introducing the CCR5Δ32 mutation) using CRISPR/Cas9 technology at the early embryonic development stage to make them resistant to HIV infection. . The CCR5 gene plays a role in the immune system and is involved in protecting the body from infections, including HIV. “However, mutations in the CCR5 gene can increase the risk of developing other diseases, such as viral hepatitis and dangerous, rapidly developing forms of cancer.”
In order to avoid fatal errors, clinical trials are conducted that are not done in this case.
“Judging by the material he presented in his report in Hong Kong, the genomes of the first two girls did not have exactly the intended changes, and also not all the cells in their bodies were edited,” Krutovsky said. .
Therefore, genome editing technology requires significant refinement and testing.
Find out more about what’s special about the genome of the oldest woman on the planet, who died at 115, how scientists are extending the lifespan of mice in experiments, and whether aging can be canceled entirely. To read In an interview with socialbites.ca.