Biotech tools are evolving dramatically in the living world. Genetic transformations on the scale of the plant and animal world and the establishment of genetically modified organisms until the arrival of CRISPR / Cas9 (a kind of molecular scissors) making it possible to change the genome (faster and easier than previous methods) and therefore to go as far as the complete transformation of a species, thanks to the synthesis of entire genomes. CRISPR are repetitive DNA sequences that allow the body to defend itself against viral attacks. Cas9 is a protein which associated with CRISPR makes it possible to cut out defective DNA sequences.

Scientists now use it daily in all fields of research: medicine, agronomy, environment, and even humans. It is a method that has revolutionized molecular biology.

These high-level genetic manipulations which humans have been able to access thanks to the progress of genetic engineering techniques are the fruit of the phenomena that exist in nature and that human beings have only made discover and copy them as was the case with Agrobacterium tumefaciens which allowed plant transgenesis and certain bacteria such as Streptococcus pyogenes which to defend themselves, they have developed an ingenious system so that when they are infected, they steal a piece of DNA from their attacker and integrate it into their own genome. In the event of a second attack, these bacteria recognize this genetic sequence and kill the virus by cutting its DNA there. From this bacterial ingenuity is derived the technique known as CRISPR / cas9.

In addition, just a reminder, biotechnology is the source of the production of insulin for diabetics, drugs for the treatment of cancer and heart disease and others. Scientists behind CRISPR / cas9 technology believe this may be the key to safe DNA editing for genetic disease cure.

However, the leakage of genes, the leakage of viruses or other genetic sources from laboratories could induce great uncontrollable dangers, something that manipulative researchers themselves warn. Thus and given that a human-generated genetic system has never been tested in the wild, it is not possible to know with certainty the impact that the extinction of a species not desired could have (example of mosquitoes) on the environment or the implementation of another species on the basis of the synthesis of complete genomes. For example, unexpected mutations could be caused.

Considering the use of this technique in gene therapy, according to a researcher in the field from the Wellcome Sanger Institute: "It is important that anyone thinking of using this technology for gene therapy proceeds with caution, and looks very carefully to check for possible harmful effects”.

How can this technology of CRISPR / Cas9 serve the world instead of endangering it? do you think that it will be possible to control this whole world of genetic engineering knowing that access to biotech tools is becoming easier and more importantly but above all less expensive?