Abstracts in this Pattern:

• SC-2017-02-01-083 on China
• SC-2017-02-01-094 on regional issues
• SC-2017-02-01-100 on Sweden
• SC-2017-02-01-083 on United States

Research in CRISPR-Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated protein 9) gene-editing techniques is progressing rapidly. For example, researchers at Sichuan University (Chengdu, China) recently became the first to use a CRISPR-Cas9 technique in humans. The researchers took immune cells from a cancer patient's blood sample and used CRISPR-Cas9 to disable the gene that makes the cells produce PD-1—a protein that inhibits the cells' immune response to cancer. They then injected the edited cells into the patient. The researchers hope the edited cells will attack the patient's cancer. And Peking University (Beijing, China) hopes to start three clinical trials of CRISPR-Cas9 cancer treatments in 2017.

China seems likely to lead the way in CRISPR-Cas9 research because its government tends to fund genetic research and because the general public in China is relatively unconcerned about genetic engineering. In addition, China's political system enables the government to make choices that the public may dislike, and regulations tend to be guidelines rather than strict rules. In contrast, public opinion about genetic engineering is an important consideration in nations such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Because the democratic governments of these nations are subject to public opinion, their elected officials are unlikely to fund controversial research projects and may even restrict them.

Despite regulatory and public-opinion hurdles, novel developments in gene editing will likely emerge at a rapid pace in some countries. Karolinska Institute (Stockholm, Sweden) biologist Fredrik Lanner plans to edit genes in human embryos to learn about genes' regulation of early embryonic development. And the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) plans to lead trials of a CRISPR-Cas9 cancer treatment in humans beginning in early 2017. These research efforts may yield important insights that could drive medical advances, but they may also bring about a sort of arms race among countries. Despite the rapid advances in CRISPR-Cas9 research, scientists still do not know how effective the gene-editing techniques are in altering traits such as intelligence and physical strength and if the techniques have side effects. Very likely, many failures will occur before any major successes do. Furthermore, patent considerations could delay the commercialization of treatments.

The Development of this Pattern

Data Points

• SC-2017-02-01-083
  Researchers at Sichuan University recently became the first to use a CRISPR-Cas9 technique in humans.
• SC-2017-02-01-094
  Public opinion about genetic engineering is an important consideration in nations such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• SC-2017-02-01-100
  Karolinska Institute biologist Fredrik Lanner plans to edit genes in human embryos to learn about genes' regulation of early embryonic development.

Implications

The Great CRISPR Race

Nations may find themselves in a race to advance CRISPR-Cas9 research and development.

Previous Alerts

• SoC301 — Epigenetics: Orchestrating Human Development (April 2008)
  Epigenetics explores how environmental cues can alter gene expression, thereby altering the development and behavior of individuals: Nurture meets nature.
• SoC374 — Gene Selecting (May 2009)
  Developments in genetic research indicate that gene-selection technologies may eventually see application in influencing people's intelligence, competitive drive, and interpersonal relationships. Gene selection even holds the potential to shape human evolution.
• SoC416 — Corporate Genetic Liability (January 2010)
  Tinkering with genetics, whether by individuals or by skilled geneticists, could have serious consequences from not only a legal perspective but a social, economic, political, and cultural perspective as well.
• P0262 — Trouble with DNA (October 2011)
  DNA analysis is becoming less expensive, and analytical tools are increasingly widely available.
• P0299 — Mining Data and DNA (January 2012)
  Algorithmic mining of genetic databases holds new promise for disease and drug discovery.
• SoC650 — Genetic Sequencing's Double-Edged Sword (April 2013)
  Ease and low cost of genetic sequencing, ready access to genetic sequences, and a cheap and easy way to synthesize viruses may lead to not only medical breakthroughs but also biosecurity concerns.
• SoC854 — Playing with Genes (February 2016)
  Because regulatory oversight in genetic engineering is mostly lacking, biotech companies may begin conducting experimental testing of gene-edited crops in developing countries.
• SoC878 — Genetic Games without Frontiers (June 2016)
  New technologies and approaches are opening the door to increasingly invasive genetic interventions.
• P0972 — Pushing Boundaries in Medicine (September 2016)
  Researchers are pushing regulatory and technological boundaries in medicine.