genetic engineering essay brainly

132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Welcome to our list of genetic engineering essay topics! Here, you will find everything from trending research titles to the most interesting genetic engineering topics for presentation. Get inspired with our writing ideas and bonus samples!

🔝 Top 10 Genetic Engineering Topics for 2024

🏆 best genetic engineering topic ideas & essay examples, ⭐ good genetic engineering research topics, 👍 simple & easy genetic engineering essay topics, ❓ genetic engineering discussion questions, 🔎 genetic engineering research topics, ✅ genetic engineering project ideas.

• Ethical Issues of Synthetic Biology
• CRISPR-Cas9 and Its Applications
• Progress and Challenges in Gene Therapy
• Applications of Gene Editing in Animals
• The Process of Genetic Engineering in Plants
• Genetic Engineering for Human Enhancement
• Genetic Engineering for Improving Crop Yield
• Regulatory Issues of Genetic Editing of Embryos
• Gene Silencing in Humans through RNA Interference
• Gene Drive Technology for Controlling Invasive Species
• The Ethical Issues of Genetic Engineering Many people have questioned the health risks that arise from genetically modified crops, thus it is the politicians who have to ensure that the interests of the people are met and their safety is assured. […]
• The Film “Gattaca” and Genetic Engineering In the film, it is convincing that in the near future, science and technology at the back of genetic engineering shall be developed up to the level which makes the film a reality.
• A Major Milestone in the Field of Science and Technology: Should Genetic Engineering Be Allowed? The most controversial and complicated aspect of this expertise is Human Genetic Engineering- whereby the genotype of a fetus can be altered to produce desired results.
• Is Genetic Engineering an Environmentally Sound Way to Increase Food Production? According to Thomas & Earl and Barry, genetic engineering is environmentally unsound method of increasing food production because it threatens the indigenous species.
• Religious vs Scientific Views on Genetic Engineering With the need to increase the global economy, the field of agriculture is one among the many that have been used to improve the commercial production to take care of the global needs for food […]
• Changing the world: Genetic Engineering Effects Genes used in genetic engineering have a high impact on health and disease, therefore the inclusion of the genetic process alters the genes that influence human behavior and traits.
• The Dangers of Genetic Engineering and the Issue of Human Genes’ Modification In this case, the ethics of human cloning and human genes’ alteration are at the center of the most heated debates. The first reason to oppose the idea of manipulation of human genes lies in […]
• Human Genetic Engineering: Key Principles and Issues There are many options for the development of events in the field of genetic engineering, and not all of them have been studied. To conclude, human genetic engineering is one of the major medical breakthroughs, […]
• Mitochondrial Diseases Treatment Through Genetic Engineering Any disorders and abnormalities in the development of mitochondrial genetic information can lead to the dysfunction of these organelles, which in turn affects the efficiency of intracellular ATP production during the process of cellular respiration.
• Genetic Engineering: Is It Ethical to Manipulate Life? In the case of more complex operations, genetic engineering can edit existing genes to turn on or off the synthesis of a particular protein in the organism from which the gene was taken.
• Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Apart from that, there are some experiments that cannot be ethically justified, at least in my opinion, for example, the cloning of human being or the attempts to find the gene for genius.
• Genetic Engineering in the Movie “Gattaca” by Niccol This would not be right at all since a person should be responsible for their own life and not have it dictated to them as a result of a societal construct created on the basis […]
• Genetic Engineering Using a Pglo Plasmid The objective of this experiment is to understand the process and importance of the genetic transformation of bacteria in real time with the aid of extrachromosomal DNA, alternatively referred to as plasmids.
• Managing Diabetes Through Genetic Engineering Genetic engineering refers to the alteration of genetic make-up of an organism through the use of techniques to introduce a new DNA or eliminate a given hereditable material. What is the role of genetic engineering […]
• The Role of Plant Genetic Engineering in Global Security Although it can be conveniently stated that the adequacy, abundance and reliability of the global food supply has a major role to play in the enhancement of human life, in the long run, they influence […]
• Significance of Human Genetic Engineering The gene alteration strategy enables replacing the specific unwanted genes with the new ones, which are more resistant and freer of the particular ailment, hence an essential assurance of a healthy generation in the future.
• Is the World Ready for Genetic Engineering? The process of manipulating genes has brought scientists to important discoveries, among which is the technology of the production of new kinds of crops and plants with selected characteristics. The problem of the advantages and […]
• Genome: Bioethics and Genetic Engineering Additionally, towards the end of the documentary, the narrator and some of the interviewed individuals explain the problem of anonymity that is also related to genetic manipulations.
• Gattaca: Ethical Issues of Genetic Engineering Although the world he lives in has determined that the only measure of a man is his genetic profile, Vincent discovers another element of man that science and society have forgotten.
• Genetic Engineering Is Ethically Unacceptable However, the current application of genetic engineering is in the field of medicine particularly to treat various genetic conditions. However, this method of treatment has various consequences to the individual and the society in general.
• Designer Genes: Different Types and Use of Genetic Engineering McKibben speaks of Somatic Gene Therapy as it is used to modify the gene and cell structure of human beings so that the cells are able to produce certain chemicals that would help the body […]
• A Technique for Controlling Plant Characteristics: Genetic Engineering in the Agriculture A cautious investigation of genetic engineering is required to make sure it is safe for humans and the environment. The benefit credited to genetic manipulation is influenced through the utilization of herbicide-tolerant and pest-safe traits.
• Genetically Engineered Food Against World Hunger I support the production of GMFs in large quality; I hold the opinion that they can offer a lasting solution to food problems facing the world.
• Genetic Engineering in Food: Development and Risks Genetic engineering refers to the manipulation of the gene composition of organisms, to come up with organisms, which have different characteristics from the organic ones.
• Genetic Engineering in the Workplace The main purpose of the paper is to evaluate and critically discuss the ethical concerns regarding the implementation of genetic testing in the workplace and to provide potential resolutions to the dilemmas.
• Designer Babies Creation in Genetic Engineering The creation of designer babies is an outcome of advancements in technology hence the debate should be on the extent to which technology can be applied in changing the way human beings live and the […]
• Genetic Engineering and Eugenics Comparison The main idea in genetic engineering is to manipulate the genetic make-up of human beings in order to shackle their inferior traits. The concept of socially independent reproduction is replicated in both eugenics and genetic […]
• Future of Genetic Engineering and the Concept of “Franken-Foods” This is not limited to cows alone but extends to pigs, sheep, and poultry, the justification for the development of genetically modified food is based on the need to feed an ever growing population which […]
• Ecological Effects of the Release of Genetically Engineered Organisms Beneficial soil organisms such as earthworms, mites, nematodes, woodlice among others are some of the soil living organisms that are adversely affected by introduction of genetically engineered organisms in the ecosystem since they introduce toxins […]
• Proposition 37 and Genetically Engineered Foods The discussion of Proposition 37 by the public is based on the obvious gap between the “law on the books” and the “law in action” because Food Safety Law which is associated with the Proposition […]
• Is Genetically Engineered Food the Solution to the World’s Hunger Problems? However, the acceptance of GMO’s as the solution to the world’s food problem is not unanimously and there is still a multitude of opposition and suspicion of their use.
• Benefits of Genetic Engineering as a Huge Part of People’s Lives Genetic Engineering is said to question whether man has the right to manipulate the course and laws of nature and thus is in constant collision with religion and the beliefs held by it regarding life.
• Perfect Society: The Effects of Human Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering and Forensic Criminal Investigations
• Biotechnology Assignment and Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering and Genetically Modified Organisms
• Bio-Ethics and the Controversy of Genetic Engineering
• Health and Environmental Risks of Genetic Engineering in Food
• Genetic Engineering and the Risks of Enforcing Changes on Organisms
• Genetic Engineering and How It Affects Globel Warming
• Cloning and Genetic Engineering in the Food Animal Industry
• Genetic Engineering and Its Impact on Society
• Embryonic Research, Genetic Engineering, & Cloning
• Genetic Engineering: Associated Risks and Possibilities
• Issues Concerning Genetic Engineering in Food Production
• Genetic Engineering, DNA Fingerprinting, Gene Therapy
• Cloning: The Benefits and Dangers of Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering, History, and Future: Altering the Face of Science
• Islamic and Catholic Views on Genetic Engineering
• Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering: Should It Be Approved in the US
• Exploring the Real Benefits of Genetic Engineering in the Modern World
• Genetic Engineering and Food Security: A Welfare Economics Perspective
• Identify the Potential Impact of Genetic Engineering on the Future Course of Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Genetic Engineering and DNA Technology in Agricultural Productivity
• Human Genetic Engineering: Designing the Future
• Genetic Engineering and the Politics Behind It
• The Potential and Consequences of Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering and Its Effect on Human Health
• The Moral and Ethical Controversies, Benefits, and Future of Genetic Engineering
• Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering for Curing Disorders
• Genetic Engineering and the Human Genome Project
• Ethical Standards for Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering and Cryonic Freezing: A Modern Frankenstein
• The Perfect Child: Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering and Its Effects on Future Generations
• Agricultural Genetic Engineering: Genetically Modified Foods
• Genetic Engineering: The Manipulation or Alteration of the Genetic Structure of a Single Cell or Organism
• Analysing Genetic Engineering Regarding Plato Philosophy
• The Dangers and Benefits of Human Cloning and Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering: Arguments of Both Proponents and Opponents and a Mediated Solution
• Genetic and How Genetic Engineering Is Diffusing Individualism
• Finding Genetic Harmony With Genetic Engineering
• What Is Genetic Engineering?
• Do You Think Genetically Modified Food Could Harm the Ecosystems of the Areas in Which They Grow?
• How Agricultural Research Systems Shape a Technological Regime That Develops Genetic Engineering?
• Can Genetic Engineering for the Poor Pay Off?
• How Does Genetic Engineering Affect Agriculture?
• Do You Think It’s Essential to Modify Genes to Create New Medicines?
• How Can Genetic Engineering Stop Human Suffering?
• Can Genetic Engineering Cure HIV/AIDS in Humans?
• How Has Genetic Engineering Revolutionized Science and the World?
• Do You Think Genetic Engineering Is Playing God and That We Should Leave Life as It Was Created?
• What Are Some Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering?
• How Will Genetic Engineering Affect the Human Race?
• When Does Genetic Engineering Go Bad?
• What Are the Benefits of Human Genetic Engineering?
• Does Genetic Engineering Affect the Entire World?
• How Does the Christian Faith Contend With Genetic Engineering?
• What Are the Ethical and Social Implications of Genetic Engineering?
• How Will Genetic Engineering Impact Our Lives?
• Why Should Genetic Engineering Be Extended?
• Will Genetic Engineering Permanently Change Our Society?
• What Are People Worried About Who Oppose Genetic Engineering?
• Do You Worry About Eating GM (Genetically Modified) Food?
• What Do You Think of the Idea of Genetically Engineering New Bodily Organs to Replace Yours When You Are Old?
• Should Genetic Engineering Go Ahead to Eliminate Human Flaws, Such as Violence, Jealousy, Hate, Etc?
• Does the Government Have the Right to Limit How Far We Modify Ourselves?
• Why Is Genetic Food Not Well Accepted?
• What Is the Best in the Genetic Modification of Plants, Plant Cell, or Chloroplasts and Why?
• How Do You Feel About Human Gene Editing?
• Does Climate Change Make the Genetic Engineering of Crops Inevitable?
• What Do You Think About Plant Genetic Modification?
• Gene Drives and Pest Control
• The Benefits of Genetically Modified Organisms
• Challenges of Gene Editing for Rare Genetic Diseases
• The Use of Genetic Engineering to Treat Human Diseases
• Ethical Considerations and Possibilities of Designer Babies
• How Genetic Engineering Can Help Restore Ecosystems
• Basic Techniques and Tools for Gene Manipulation
• Latest Advancements in Genetic Engineering and Genome Editing
• Will Engineering Resilient Organisms Help Mitigate Climate Change?
• Creation of Renewable Resources through Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering Approach to Drought and Pest Resistance
• Genetic Engineering Use in DNA Analysis and Identification
• Synthetic Microorganisms and Biofactories for Sustainable Bioproduction
• Stem Cells’ Potential for Regenerative Medicine
• The Role of Genetic Modification in Vaccine Development
• Can Genetic Engineering Help Eradicate Invasive Species Responsibly?
• Genetic Engineering for Enhancing the Body’s Defense Mechanisms
• Advancements in Transplantation Medicine and Creating Bioengineered Organs
• Genetic Editing of Microbes for Environmental Cleanup
• Is It Possible to Develop Living Detection Systems?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 26). 132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/genetic-engineering-essay-topics/

"132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 26 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/genetic-engineering-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 26 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/genetic-engineering-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/genetic-engineering-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "132 Genetic Engineering Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 26, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/genetic-engineering-essay-topics/.

• Animal Ethics Research Ideas
• Cloning Questions
• DNA Essay Ideas
• Eugenics Questions
• Extinction Research Topics
• Gene Titles
• Infertility Essay Topics
• Bioethics Titles
• Genetics Research Ideas
• Epigenetics Essay Titles
• Morality Research Ideas
• Stem Cell Essay Titles
• Biochemistry Research Topics
• Evolution Topics

Home — Essay Samples — Science — Technology & Engineering — Genetic Engineering

Essays on Genetic Engineering

What makes a good genetic engineering essay topic.

When it comes to writing a captivating genetic engineering essay, the topic you choose is paramount. It not only grabs the reader's attention but also allows for effective exploration of the subject matter. So, how can you brainstorm and select a standout essay topic? Here are some recommendations:

• Brainstorm: Kickstart your ideas by brainstorming topics related to genetic engineering. Consider the latest advancements, ethical concerns, controversial issues, or potential future applications. Jot down any ideas that come to mind.
• Research: Once you have a list of potential topics, conduct thorough research to gather relevant information and understand different perspectives. This will help you evaluate the feasibility and depth of each topic.
• Consider Interest: Choose a topic that genuinely piques your interest. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the entire process more enjoyable and motivate you to delve deeper into the subject matter.
• Relevance: Ensure that the chosen topic is relevant to genetic engineering. It should align with the scope of the subject and allow you to explore various aspects related to it.
• Uniqueness: Strive for a unique and imaginative topic that stands out from the ordinary. Steer clear of generic subjects and instead focus on specific areas or emerging trends within genetic engineering.
• Controversy: Controversial topics often generate more interest and discussion. Consider exploring ethical dilemmas, potential risks, or societal impacts of genetic engineering to add a thought-provoking element to your essay.
• Depth and Scope: Assess the depth and scope of each topic. Make sure it provides enough material for a comprehensive essay without being too broad or too narrow.
• Audience Appeal: Keep your target audience in mind. Choose a topic that would captivate readers, whether they are experts in the field or individuals with limited knowledge about genetic engineering.
• Originality: Strive for originality in your topic selection. Look for unique angles, lesser-known areas, or innovative applications of genetic engineering that can make your essay stand out.
• Personal Connection: If possible, choose a topic that connects with your personal experiences or future aspirations. This will enhance your engagement and make your essay more meaningful.

Igniting Thought: The Finest Genetic Engineering Essay Topics

Below are some of the most captivating genetic engineering essay topics to consider:

• Genetic Engineering and the Future of Human Evolution
• The Ethical Dilemmas of Designer Babies
• Genetic Engineering in Agriculture: Balancing Benefits and Concerns
• CRISPR-Cas9: Unleashing Revolutionary Potential in Genetic Engineering
• The Potential of Genetic Engineering in Cancer Treatment
• Genetic Engineering's Role in Creating Sustainable Food Sources
• Genetic Engineering and Animal Welfare: Navigating Ethical Considerations
• Genetic Engineering and its Impact on Biodiversity
• The Social and Economic Implications of Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering's Influence on Human Longevity
• Enhancing Athletic Performance: The Power of Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering Techniques for Disease Prevention and Treatment
• Genetic Engineering's Role in Environmental Conservation
• Genetic Engineering and the Preservation of Endangered Species
• The Psychological and Societal Effects of Genetic Engineering
• The Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering for Non-Medical Purposes
• Exploring the Potential Risks and Benefits of Genetic Engineering in Space Exploration
• Genetic Engineering and the Creation of Biofuels
• The Morality of Genetic Engineering: Insights from Religious and Philosophical Perspectives
• Genetic Engineering's Role in Combating Climate Change

Thought-Provoking Genetic Engineering Essay Questions

Consider these stimulating questions for your genetic engineering essay:

• How does genetic engineering impact the concept of natural selection?
• What are the potential consequences of genetic engineering on human genetic diversity?
• Is it ethically justifiable to use genetic engineering for cosmetic purposes?
• How does genetic engineering contribute to the development of personalized medicine?
• What are the social implications of genetically modifying animals for human consumption?
• How does the use of genetic engineering in agriculture affect food security?
• Should genetic engineering be used to resurrect extinct species?
• What are the potential risks and benefits of genetically modifying viruses for medical purposes?
• How does genetic engineering influence the balance between individual rights and societal well-being?
• Can genetic engineering be the solution to eradicating genetic diseases?

Provocative Genetic Engineering Essay Prompts

Here are some imaginative and engaging prompts for your genetic engineering essay:

• Imagine a world where genetic engineering has eliminated all hereditary diseases. Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a scenario.
• You have been granted the ability to genetically engineer one aspect of yourself. What would you choose and why?
• Write a fictional story set in a future where genetic engineering is widespread and explore the consequences it has on society.
• Reflect on the ethical considerations of genetically modifying animals for entertainment purposes, such as creating glow-in-the-dark pets.
• Create a persuasive argument for or against the use of genetic engineering in enhancing human intelligence.

Answering Your Genetic Engineering Essay Queries

Q: Can I write about the history of genetic engineering?

A: Absolutely! Exploring the historical context of genetic engineering can provide valuable insights and set the foundation for your essay.

Q: How can I make my genetic engineering essay engaging for readers with limited scientific knowledge?

A: Simplify complex concepts and terminologies, provide relevant examples, and use relatable analogies to help readers grasp the information more easily.

Q: Can I express my personal opinion in a genetic engineering essay?

A: Yes, expressing your personal opinion is encouraged as long as you support it with logical reasoning and evidence from reputable sources.

Q: Are there any potential risks associated with genetic engineering that I should discuss in my essay?

A: Yes, incorporating a discussion on the potential risks and ethical concerns surrounding genetic engineering is essential to provide a balanced perspective.

Q: Can I include interviews or case studies in my genetic engineering essay?

A: Absolutely! Interviews or case studies can add depth and real-life examples to support your arguments and make your essay more compelling.

Remember, when writing your genetic engineering essay, let your creativity shine through while maintaining a formal and engaging tone.

The Ethics of Genetic Engineering in Human Enhancement

Exploring the pros and cons of genetic engineering, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering: The Need for Proper Regulation

Genetic engineering, ethical issues of genetic engineering, the dangers of genetic engineering to humanity, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

The Use and Ethics of Genetic Engineering

The potential and consequences of genetic engineering, the issue of the use of genetic modification of humans, reasons why genetic engineering should be banned, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

Genetic Engineering: an Overview of The Dna/rna and The Crispr/cas9 Technology

Review of human germline engineering, positional cloning of genetic disorders, engineering american society: the lesson of eugenics, bioethical issues related to genetic engineering, cloning and ethical controversies related to it, genetic editing as a possibility of same-sex parents to have children, adhering to natural processes retains the integrity of a natural human race  , genetically modified organisms: soybeans, gene silencing to produce milk with reduced blg proteins, the role of crispr-cas9 gene drive in mosquitoes, the life of gregor mendel and his contributions to science, eugenics, its history and modern development, morphological operation hsv color space tree detetction, cytogenetics: analysis of comparative genomic hybridization and its implications, genetically engineered eucalyptus tree and crispr, review of the process of dna extraction, review of the features of the process of cloning, heterologous gene expression as an approach for fungal secondary metabolite discovery, review of the genetic algorithm searches.

Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism.

Genetic engineering as the direct manipulation of DNA by humans outside breeding and mutations has only existed since the 1970s. In 1972, Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecules by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40 with that of the lambda virus. The first field trials of genetically engineered plants occurred in France and the US in 1986, tobacco plants were engineered to be resistant to herbicides.

It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesising the DNA. Used in research and industry, genetic engineering has been applied to the production of cancer therapies, brewing yeasts, genetically modified plants and livestock, and more.

Relevant topics

• Engineering
• Time Travel
• Stephen Hawking
• Mathematics in Everyday Life
• Space Exploration
• Charles Darwin

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

13 Advantages and Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering

The process of genetic engineering allows for the structure of genes to be altered. It is a deliberate modification which occurs through the direct manipulation of the genetic material of an organism. DNA is either added or subtracted to produce one or more new traits that were not found in that organism before.

With genetic engineering, it becomes possible to create plants that can resist herbicides while they grow. It also becomes possible to create new threats to our food supply or personal health because viruses and bacteria continue to adapt to the changes that are produced through this process.

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering to consider.

What Are the Advantages of Genetic Engineering?

1. It allows for a faster growth rate. Genetic engineering allows of plants or animals to be modified so their maturity can occur at a quicker pace. Engineering can allow this maturity to occur outside of the normal growth conditions that are favorable without genetic changes as well. Even if there is higher levels of heat or lower levels of light, it becomes possible to expand what can be grown in those conditions.

2. It can create an extended life. Genetic modification can help to create resistance to common forms of organism death. Pest resistance can be included into the genetic profiles of plants so they can mature as a crop without any further additives. Animals can have their genetic profiles modified to reduce the risks of common health concerns that may affect the breed or species. This creates the potential for an extended lifespan for each organism.

3. Specific traits can be developed. Plants and animals can have specific traits developed through genetic engineering that can make them more attractive to use or consumption. Different colors can be created to produce a wider range of produce. Animals can be modified to produce more milk, grow more muscle tissue, or produce different coats so that a wider range of fabrics can be created.

4. New products can be created. With genetic engineering, new products can be created by adding or combining different profiles together. One example of this is to take a specific product, such as a potato, and alter its profile so that it can produce more nutrients per kcal than without the genetic engineering. This makes it possible for more people to get what they need nutritionally, even if their food access is limited, and this could potentially reduce global food insecurity.

5. Greater yields can be produced. Genetic engineering can also change the traits of plants or animals so that they produce greater yields per plant. More fruits can be produced per tree, which creates a greater food supply and more profits for a farmer. It also creates the potential for using modified organisms in multiple ways because there is a greater yield available. Modified corn, for example, can be used for specific purposes, such as animal feed, ethanol, or larger cobs for human consumption.

6. Risks to the local water supply are reduced. Because farmers and growers do not need to apply as many pesticides or herbicides to their croplands due to genetic engineering, fewer applications to the soil need to occur. This protects the local watershed and reduces the risk of an adverse event occurring without risking the yield and profitability that is needed.

7. It is a scientific practice that has been in place for millennia. Humans in the past may not have been able to directly modify the DNA of a plant or animal in a laboratory, but they still practiced genetic engineering through selective breeding and cross-species or cross-breeding. People would identify specific traits, seek out other plants or animals that had similar traits, and then breed them together to create a specific result. Genetic engineering just speeds up this process and can predict an outcome with greater regularity.

What Are the Disadvantages of Genetic Engineering?

1. The nutritional value of foods can be less. When animals grow, and mature quickly, the nutritional value of that product can be reduced. This can be seen in poultry products today with the white striping that is found in meat products. That striping is a fat deposit that was created, often in the breast meat, because of the rapid growth of the bird. In chickens, Good Housekeeping reports that this can increase the fat content of the meat consumed by over 220%. At the same time, the amount of protein that is received is also reduced.

2. Pathogens adapt to the new genetic profiles. Genetic engineering can create a natural resistance against certain pathogens for plants and animals, but the natural evolutionary process is geared toward creating pathways. Bacteria and viruses evolve a resistance to the resistance that is created by the genetic engineering efforts. This causes the pathogens to become stronger and more resistant than they normally would be, potentially creating future health concerns that are unforeseen.

3. There can be negative side effects that are unexpected. Genetic engineering is guaranteed to make a change. Many of those changes are positive, creating more and healthier foods. Some of those changes, however, can be negative and unexpected. Making a plant become more tolerant to drought might also make that plant become less tolerant to direct sunlight. Animals may be modified to produce more milk, but have a shortened lifespan at the same time so farmers suffer a greater livestock.

4. The amount of diversity developed can be less favorable. At some point, genetically engineered plants and animals make it “into the wild” and interact with domestic species. This results in a crossing of “natural” and “artificial” organisms. The engineered organisms often dominate, resulting in only a modified species over several generations, reducing the diversity that is available.

5. Copyrighted genetic engineering can have costly consequences. Many companies copyright their genetic engineering processes or products to maintain their profitability. If a farmer plants genetically modified crops and the pollination process causes another farmer in the field over to have those modified crops grow, there have been precedents for legal actions against the “unauthorized” farmer. This can have several costly consequences, from fewer farmers wanting to work to a higher cost for the seeds that are planted.

6. This knowledge and technology can be easily abused. At the moment, genetic engineering in humans is being used to treat specific disorders that threaten the health or wellbeing of individuals. In time, the approach in humans could be like what is already being done with plants and animals. Genetic engineering can change specific traits, which could create human outcomes that are ethically questionable or easily abused.

The advantages and disadvantages of genetic engineering show that the results can be generally positive, but there must be controls in place to manage the negative when it occurs.

• Introduction to genomics
• In the cell
• Health and disease
• Living things
• Methods and technology
• Science in society
• Genomic conversations
• Resources for 5-12 year olds
• Resources for 13-18 year olds
• Resources for 18+ year olds
• Resources for educators
• Careers in Genomics
• Wellcome Genome Campus

Explore Genomics > Living Things

What is genetic engineering?

Genetic engineering refers to the direct manipulation of DNA to alter an organism’s characteristics in a particular way.

• Genetic engineering is the process of altering an organism’s genome.
• This can range from changing one single DNA base to deleting or inserting a whole region of DNA.
• For example, genetic engineering can be used to produce more efficient or nutritious crop plants.
• Genetic engineering, sometimes called genetic modification, is the process of altering the DNA in an organism’s genome.
• This may mean changing one single base (A, T, C or G) to alter the function of a gene or deleting or inserting a whole gene or region of DNA. Read about the different types of genome edits here.
• In some cases, genetic engineering means extracting DNA from another organism’s genome and combining it with the DNA of that individual.
• Genetic engineering is used by scientists to enhance or modify the characteristics of an individual organism.
• For example, genetic engineering can be used to produce plants that have a higher nutritional value or can tolerate exposure to herbicides.
• It can be applied to any organism, although laws and regulations vary.

How does genetic engineering work?

• Genetic engineering tools have evolved since the 1980s, enabling scientists to make increasingly precise edits to an organism’s genome.
• You can read about some of these tools here, including TALENs and CRISPR-Cas9.

Case study: engineering bacteria or yeast cells to produce insulin

• One example of genetic engineering is to make bacteria or yeast cells produce insulin for people with diabetes.
• A small piece of circular DNA is genetically modified to include the gene that codes for human insulin.
• The genetically modified plasmid is introduced into a new bacteria or yeast cell.
• This cell then divides rapidly and starts making insulin.
• To create large amounts of the cells, the genetically modified bacteria or yeast are grown in large fermentation vessels that contain all the nutrients they need. The more the cells divide, the more insulin is produced.
• When fermentation is complete, the mixture is filtered to release the insulin.
• The insulin is then purified and packaged into bottles and insulin pens for distribution to patients with diabetes.

What else is genetic engineering used for?

Genetic engineering has a number of useful applications, including scientific research, agriculture and technology.

For agriculture

• In plants, genetic engineering has been applied to improve the resilience, nutritional value and growth rate of crops such as potatoes, tomatoes and rice.
• For example, ‘golden rice’ is a genetically engineered type of rice that produces high levels of a molecule called beta-carotene, making it a yellow-orange colour. When it is eaten, the human body can convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.

For medicine

• Some animals have been genetically engineered to produce pharmaceutical products, such as hormones, enzymes or vaccines.
• For example, goats have been engineered to produce milk that is rich in a molecule called antithrombin, which is used to prevent heart attacks and strokes in high-risk patients.
• Similarly, sheep can be engineered to produce milk containing a human enzyme called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which can treat people with cystic fibrosis and emphysema.

For research

• The first genetically modified organism to be created was a bacterium, in 1973.
• In 1974, the same techniques were applied to mice. This made it possible to investigate how specific genes function in a model organism.
• Scientists have also made nematode worms that glow in the dark to study conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Case study – Alzheimer’s disease and the worm

• The nematode worm, C. elegans, only has around 300 cells in its entire nervous system. It’s also nearly transparent, making it possible to label different proteins with a fluorescent marker and watch how they affect different cells under the microscope.
• In humans, the APP gene codes for a protein associated with the amyloid plaques that are characteristic of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
• Researchers genetically engineered the nerve cells of the nematode worm to contain the APP gene, effectively giving the worm Alzheimer’s disease.
• They also tagged the resultant APP protein with a fluorescent marker. This showed that every cell that made contact with the APP protein died as the worm got older.
• The researchers were then able to monitor the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the worm and go on to apply their findings to understanding the role of APP in humans with Alzheimer’s disease.
• About the team
• Copyright information
• Privacy policy

[email protected]

[email protected]

User survey

• school Campus Bookshelves
• menu_book Bookshelves
• perm_media Learning Objects
• login Login
• how_to_reg Request Instructor Account
• hub Instructor Commons
• Download Page (PDF)
• Download Full Book (PDF)
• Periodic Table
• Physics Constants
• Scientific Calculator
• Reference & Cite
• Tools expand_more
• Readability

selected template will load here

This action is not available.

1.12: Genetic Engineering

• Last updated
• Save as PDF
• Page ID 73677

• Marjorie Hanneman, Walter Suza, Donald Lee, & Patricia Hain
• Iowa State University via Iowa State University Digital Press

Learning Objectives

• Define genetic engineering.
• List and briefly explain the five basic steps in genetic engineering. Describe why each is necessary.
• Identify the fundamental differences between genetically engineered crops and non-genetically engineered crops.
• Explain the limitations to traditional breeding that are overcome by genetic engineering.
• Identify the approximate length of time required to obtain a marketable transgenic crop line (complete the entire crop genetic engineering process).

Introduction

The production of genetically engineered plants became possible after Bob Fraley and others succeeded to use Agrobacterium tumefaciens to transform plant cells with recombinant DNA in the early 1980s (Vasil, 2008a). Since this breakthrough in plant biotechnology, GM crops are now routinely developed and grown in many parts of the globe. Current statistics on adoption of genetically engineered crops in the U.S. can be found on the USDA Economic Research Service’s website.

Genetic engineering has been used successfully to develop novel genes of economic importance that can be used to improve the genetics of crop plants. Genetic engineering is the targeted addition of a foreign gene or genes into the genome of an organism. The genes may be isolated from one organism and transferred to another or may be genes of one species that are modified and reinserted into the same species. The new genes, commonly referred to as transgenes, are inserted into a plant by a process called transformation. The inserted gene holds information that will give the organism a trait (Figure 1).

Crop genetic improvement (plant breeding) is an important tool but has limitations. First, in conventional terms, genetic improvement can only be done between two plants that can sexually mate with each other. This limits the new traits that can be added to those that already exist in that species. Second, when plants are mated, (crossed), many traits are transferred along with the trait of interest including traits with undesirable effects on yield potential.

Genetic engineering, on the other hand, is not bound by these limitations. It physically removes the DNA from one organism and transfers the gene(s) for one or a few traits into another. Since crossing is not necessary, the ‘sexual’ barrier between species is overcome. Therefore, traits from any living organism can be transferred into a plant. This method is more specific in that a single trait can be added to a plant.

The overall process of genetic engineering. A basic explanation of the five steps for genetically engineering a crop is provided. The five steps are:

• Locating an organism with a specific trait and extracting its DNA.
• Cloning a gene that controls the trait.
• Designing a gene to express in a specific way.
• Transformation, inserting the gene into the cells of a crop plant.
• Cross the transgene into an elite background.

Step 1: DNA Extraction

The process of genetic engineering requires the successful completion of a series of five steps and discoveries. To better understand each of these, the development of Bt maize will be used as an example.

Before the genetic engineering process can begin, a living organism that exhibits the desired trait must be discovered. The trait for Bt maize (resistance to European corn borer) was discovered around 100 years ago. Silkworm farmers in the Orient had noticed that populations of silkworms were dying. Scientists discovered that a naturally occurring soil bacteria was causing the silkworm deaths. These soil bacteria, called Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt for short, produced a protein that was toxic to silkworms, the Bt protein.

Although the scientists did not know it, they had made one of the first discoveries necessary in the process of making Bt corn. The same Bt protein found to be toxic to silkworms is also toxic to European corn borer because both insects belong to the Lepidoptera order. The production of the Bt protein in the bacteria is controlled by the bacteria’s genes.

To be able to work with the gene responsible for making the Bt toxin, scientists must extract DNA from the Bt bacteria (Figure 2). This is accomplished by taking a sample of bacteria containing the gene of interest and taking it through a series of steps that separate the DNA from the other parts of a cell.

Step 2: Gene Cloning

The second step of the genetic engineering process is gene cloning. During DNA extraction, all the DNA from the organism is extracted at once. This means the sample of DNA extracted from the Bacillus thuringiensis bacteria will contain the gene for the Bt protein, but also all the other bacterium’s genes. Scientists use gene cloning to separate the single gene of interest from the rest of the DNA extracted (Figure 2).

The next stages of genetic engineering will involve further study and experimentation with this gene. To do that, a scientist needs to have thousands of exact copies of it. This copying is also done during the gene cloning step.

Step 3: Gene Design

Gene design relies upon another major discovery. This was the ‘One gene One enzyme’ Theory first proposed by George W. Beadle and Edward L. Tatum in the 1940’s. Discoveries made during their research laid the groundwork for the theory that a single gene stores the information that directs the cell in how to produce a single enzyme (protein ). Therefore, there is a single gene that controls the production of the Bt protein. It is called the Bt gene.

Once a gene has been cloned (Figure 2), genetic engineers begin the third step, designing the gene to work once inside a different organism. This is done in a test tube by cutting the gene apart with restriction enzymes and replacing certain regions (Figure 3).

Scientists replaced the bacterial gene promoter with promoters turn on the Bt gene in selected parts of the plant or promoters that can always turn on the Bt gene in all tissues. As a result, the first Bt gene released was designed to produce a level of Bt protein lethal to European corn borer and to only produce the Bt protein in green tissues of the corn plant, (stems, leaves, etc.). Later, Bt genes were designed to produce the lethal level of protein in all tissues of a corn plant, (leaves, stems, tassel, ear, roots, etc.).

Plant transformation and tissue culture

The process of transformation involves the insertion of the desired transgene construct (Figure 5) into cells of the recipient plant species. In this process, scientists isolate tissue or cells from the cultivar they wish to transform and use one of several methods to insert the transgene into the tissue or cells. The transgene construct contains the following key features.

• A promoter that acts to turn the gene on and off in the cell . The CaMV 35s promoter from the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) is commonly used in genetic engineering. Other types of promoters, such as, the nopaline synthase promoter (NOS-Pro) also may be used to express transgenes in plant tissues.
• A selectable marker that is used to select cells that successfully obtained the construct during the transformation process . In figure 4, the selectable marker in the construct is NPT II (Kanr) that controls resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin. The cells of the plant used for transformation will be grown on a media containing the antibiotic. Other selectable markers that have been used successfully in plants include genes controlling herbicide resistance.
• A terminator sequence , such as the nopaline synthase (NOS) is included to mark the end of the transgene sequence for proper expression in plant cells.

Two commonly used transformation methods include Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and biolistics transformation (aka gene gun ), commonly referred to as particle bombardment (Figure 5). The biolistics method involves the use of high pressure to propel tungsten or gold beads coated with DNA of the gene construct into plant cells.

Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation

Crown galls are tumors of plants that arise at the site of infection by some species of the Agrobacterium. Agrobacteria do not enter the plant cells but transfer a DNA segment called T-DNA from their circular extra chromosomal tumor-inducing (Ti) plasmid into the genome of the host cells. Ti plasmids are maintained in Agrobacteria because a part of their T-DNA contains genes that encode unusual amino acids used by Agrobacterium. The T-DNA also encodes genes that affect host plant hormone physiology resulting in induced growth of the infected cells and tumor formation. Scientists took advantage of Agrobacterium’s ability to stably integrate its T-DNA into the plant genome for introducing rDNA into plant cells. They first removed the genes that cause tumor or crown gall disease in plants from the T-DNA and engineered the plasmid for replication in both Escherichia coli and Agrobacterium cells. The initial replication of the construct in E. coli is useful for verifying the presence of the cloned gene and increasing the quantity of construct DNA for subsequent uses, including sequencing and transformation into Agrobacterium.

The steps in Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants are described in Figure 6.

At present, very few host cells receive the construct during the transformation process. Each random insertion of the construct into the genome of plant cells is referred as an event. Useful events are rare because of the random nature of the transformation process. Selectable markers are very important because they allow the identification of the rare events (Figure 7). Scientists must screen many potential transformants to identify events that are useful for breeding.

From there, the new DNA may or may not be successfully inserted into a chromosome. The cells that do receive the new gene are called transgenic and are selected from those that are not transgenic (Figure 7). Many types of plant cells are totipotent meaning a single plant cell can develop into an entire plant. Therefore, each transgenic cell can then develop into an entire plant which has the transgene in every cell. The transgenic plants are grown to maturity in greenhouses and the seed they produce, which has inherited the transgene, is collected. The genetic engineer’s job is now complete. He/she will hand the transgenic seeds over to a plant breeder who is responsible for the final step.

Inheritance of a transgene in plants

Transformation is successful when a transgene is incorporated into one of the chromosomes. The cells that have only one copy of the transgene in their genomes are said to be hemizygous (hemi = half, zygous = zygote). Because the segregation in the progeny of a hemizygous plant is the same as for a heterozygous plant, the term heterozygous will be used in this course when referring to a plant that is not homozygous for the transgene. The trait will segregate in the progeny in the same manner as any other gene in the plant as illustrated below (Figure 8).

Step 5: Backcross Breeding

The fifth and final part of producing a genetically engineered crop is backcross breeding (Figure 9). Transgenic plants are crossed with elite breeding lines using traditional plant breeding methods to combine the desired traits of elite parents and the transgene into a single line. The offspring are repeatedly crossed back to the elite line to obtain a high-yielding transgenic line. The result will be a plant with a yield potential close to current hybrids that expresses the trait encoded by the new transgene .

The Process of Plant Genetic Engineering

The entire genetic engineering process is basically the same for any plant. The length of time required to complete all five steps from start to finish varies depending upon the gene, crop species, and available resources. It can take anywhere from 6-15+ years before a new transgenic hybrid is ready for release to be grown in production fields.

The tissue culture process of regenerating transgenic plants from callus may result in genetic variation that is not associated with the transgene. Also, the parent line used for transformation commonly is selected for the frequency with which useful events can be obtained and not its agronomic performance. Therefore, transgenes are incorporated into commercial cultivars by conventional breeding procedures, such as backcrossing.

Genetic engineering is the directed addition of foreign DNA (genes) into an organism.

Five basic steps in crop genetic engineering:

• DNA extraction – DNA is extracted from an organism known to have the desired trait.
• Gene cloning – The gene of interest is located and copied.
• Gene modification – The gene is modified to express in a desired way by altering and replacing gene regions.
• Transformation – The gene(s) are delivered into tissue culture cells, using one of several methods, where hopefully they will land in the nucleus and insert into a chromosome.
• Backcross breeding – Transgenic lines are crossed with elite lines to make highyielding transgenic lines.

Vasil, I. K. (2008) A short history of plant biotechnology. Phytochem 7: 387-394.

Vasil, I. K. (2008) A history of plant biotechnology: from the Cell Theory of Shleiden and Schwann to biotech crops. Plant Cell Rep 27: 1423-1440.

• Introduction to Genomics
• Educational Resources
• Policy Issues in Genomics
• The Human Genome Project
• Funding Opportunities
• Funded Programs & Projects
• Division and Program Directors
• Scientific Program Analysts
• Contact by Research Area
• News & Events
• Research Areas
• Research investigators
• Research Projects
• Clinical Research
• Data Tools & Resources
• Genomics & Medicine
• Family Health History
• For Patients & Families
• For Health Professionals
• Jobs at NHGRI
• Training at NHGRI
• Funding for Research Training
• Professional Development Programs
• NHGRI Culture
• Social Media
• Broadcast Media
• Image Gallery
• Press Resources
• Organization
• NHGRI Director
• Mission & Vision
• Policies & Guidance
• Institute Advisors
• Strategic Vision
• Leadership Initiatives
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Partner with NHGRI
• Staff Search

​Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering (also called genetic modification) is a process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. This may involve changing a single base pair (A-T or C-G), deleting a region of DNA or adding a new segment of DNA. For example, genetic engineering may involve adding a gene from one species to an organism from a different species to produce a desired trait. Used in research and industry, genetic engineering has been applied to the production of cancer therapies, brewing yeasts, genetically modified plants and livestock, and more.

Genetic engineering. Genetic engineering has changed over the years, from cloning for analysis and laboratory use to truly synthetic biology for understanding and new biomedical capabilities.

Former Program Director, Genome Technology Program

Division of Genome Sciences

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo)
• v.60(10); 2020 Oct

Historic Overview of Genetic Engineering Technologies for Human Gene Therapy

Ryota tamura1.

1 Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan

Masahiro TODA

The concepts of gene therapy were initially introduced during the 1960s. Since the early 1990s, more than 1900 clinical trials have been conducted for the treatment of genetic diseases and cancers mainly using viral vectors. Although a variety of methods have also been performed for the treatment of malignant gliomas, it has been difficult to target invasive glioma cells. To overcome this problem, immortalized neural stem cell (NSC) and a nonlytic, amphotropic retroviral replicating vector (RRV) have attracted attention for gene delivery to invasive glioma. Recently, genome editing technology targeting insertions at site-specific locations has advanced; in particular, the clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated-9 (CRISPR/Cas9) has been developed. Since 2015, more than 30 clinical trials have been conducted using genome editing technologies, and the results have shown the potential to achieve positive patient outcomes. Gene therapy using CRISPR technologies for the treatment of a wide range of diseases is expected to continuously advance well into the future.

Introduction

Gene therapy is a therapeutic strategy using genetic engineering techniques to treat various diseases. 1 , 2) In the early 1960s, gene therapy first progressed with the development of recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, 1) and was further developed using various genetic engineering tools, such as viral vectors. 3 – 5) More than 1900 clinical trials have been conducted with gene therapeutic approaches since the early 1990s. In these procedures, DNA is randomly inserted into the host genome using conventional genetic engineering tools. In the 2000s, genome editing tootls, including zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and the recently established clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated-9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technologies, were developed, which induce genome modifications at specific target sites. 5) Genome editing tools are efficient for intentional genetic engineering, which has led to the development of novel treatment strategies for a wide range of diseases, such as genetic diseases and cancers. Therefore, gene therapy has again became a major focus of medical research. However, because gene therapy involves changing the genetic background, it raises important ethical concerns. In this article, we review the brief history of gene therapy and the development of genetic engineering technologies.

History of Genetic Engineering Technologies

Ethical issues.

In 1968, the initial proof-of-concept of virus- mediated gene transfer was made by Rogers et al. 6) who showed that foreign genetic material could be transferred into cells by viruses. In the first human gene therapy experiment, Shope papilloma virus was transduced into two patients with genetic arginase deficiency, because Rogers et al. hypothesized that the Shope papilloma virus genome contained a gene that encodes arginase. However, this gene therapy produced little improvement in the arginase levels in the patients. 7) Sequencing of the Shope papilloma virus genome revealed that the virus genome did not contain an arginase gene. 7)

This experiment prompted public concerns about the risks and ethical issues of gene therapy. In 1972, Friedman et al. 8) proposed ethical standards for the clinical application of gene therapy to prevent premature application in human. However, in 1980, genetic engineering was unethically performed in patients with thalassemia without the approval of the institutional review board. 9) The patients’ bone marrow cells were harvested and returned into their bone marrow after transduction with the plasmid DNA containing an integrated b-globin gene. 9) This treatment showed no effects, and the experiments were regarded as morally dubious. The gene therapy report of the President's Commission in the United States, Splicing Life , emphasized the distinction between somatic and germline genome editing in humans, and between medical treatment and non-medical enhancement. 10) An altered gene inserted into sperm or egg cells (germ cells) would lead to changes not only in the individual receiving the treatment but also in their future offspring. Interventions aimed at enhancing “normal” people also are problematic because they might lead to attempts to make “perfect” human beings.

Beginning of gene therapy using viral vector

In 1980, only nonviral methods, such as microinjection and calcium-phosphate precipitation, were used for gene delivery. Nonviral methods showed some advantages compared with viral methods, such as large-scale production and low host immunogenicity. However, nonviral methods yielded lower levels of transfection and gene expression, resulting in limited therapeutic efficacy. 11) In 1989, the rDNA Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health proposed the first guidelines for the clinical trials of gene therapy. In 1990, retroviral infection, which is highly dependent on host cell cycle status, was first performed for the transduction of the neomycin resistance marker gene into tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes that were obtained from patients with metastatic melanoma. 3 , 4) Then, the lymphocytes were cultured in vitro and returned to the patients’ bodies. 3 , 4) The first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)- approved gene therapy using a retroviral vector was performed by Anderson et al. in 1990; the adenosine deaminase (ADA) gene was transduced into the white blood cells of a patient with ADA deficiency, resulting in temporary improvements in her immunity. 2 , 12)

First severe complications

A recombinant adenoviral (AV) vector was developed after advances in the use of the retroviral vector. In 1999, a clinical trial was performed for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency. A ubiquitous DNA AV vector (Ad5) containing the OTC gene was delivered into the patient. Four days after administration, the patient died from multiple organ failure that was caused by a cytokine storm. 13 , 14) In 1999, of the 20 patients enrolled in two trials for severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-X1, T-cell leukemia was observed in five patients at 2–5.5 years after the treatment. Hematopoietic stem cells with a conventional, amphotropic, murine leukemia virus-based vector and a gibbon-ape leukemia virus-pseudotyped retrovirus were used for gene transduction in those trials. 15 , 16) Although four patients fully recovered after the treatment, one patient died 15 , 16) because oncogene activation was mediated by viral insertion. 15 , 16)

Development of viral vectors

Viral vectors continued to be crucial components in the manufacture of cell and gene therapy. Adeno- associated viral (AAV) vectors were applied for many genetic diseases including Leber’s Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), and reverse lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD). In 2008, remarkable success was reported for LCA type II in phase I/II clinical trials. 17) LCA is a rare hereditary retinal degeneration disorder caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene (Retinoid Isomerohydrolase RPE65), which is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium and encodes retinoid isomerase. 17) These trials confirm that RPE65 could be delivered into retinal pigment epithelial cells using recombinant AAV2/2 vectors, resulting in clinical benefits without adverse events. 17) Recently, the FDA approved voretigene neparvovec-rzyl (Luxturna, Spark Therapeutics, Philadelphia, PA, USA) for patients with LCA type II. Alipogene tiparvovec Glybera (uniQure, Lexington, MA, USA) is the first gene-therapy-based drug to reverse LPLD to be approved in Europe in 2012. The AAV1 vector delivers an intact LPL gene to the muscle cells. 18) To date, more than 200 clinical trials have been performed using AAV vectors for several genetic diseases, including spinal muscular atrophy, 19) retinal dystrophy, 20) and hemophilia. 21)

Retrovirus is still one of the mainstays of gene therapeutic approaches. Strimvelis (GlaxoSmithKline, London, UK) is an FDA-approved drug consisting of an autologous CD34 (+)-enriched cell population that includes a gammaretrovirus containing the ADA gene that was used as the first ex-vivo stem cell gene therapy in patients with SCID because of ADA deficiency. 22) Subsequently, retroviral vectors were often used for other genetic diseases, including X-SCID. 23)

Lentivirus belongs to a family of viruses that are responsible for diseases, such as aquired immunodeficiency syndrome caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes infection by inserting DNA into the genome of their host cells. 24) The lentivirus can infect non-dividing cells; therefore, it has a wider range of potential applications. Successful treatment of the patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy was demonstrated using a lentiviral vector with the deficient peroxisomal adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette D1. 25) Despite the use of a lentiviral vector with an internal viral long terminal repeat, no oncogene activation was observed. 25)

A timeline showing the history of scientific progress in gene therapy is highlighted in Table 1 .

ADA: adenosine deaminase, ALD: adrenoleukodystrophy, B-ALL: B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, CAR: chimeric antigen receptor-modified, DLBCL: diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, GT: gene therapy, LCA: Leber’s congenital amaurosis, LPL: lipoprotein lipase deficiency, OTC: ornithine transcarbamylase, SCID: severe combined immunodeficiency, SMA: spinal muscular atrophy, TCR: T cell receptor, TIL: tumor infiltrating lymphocyte

Gene Therapeutic Strategies for Brain Tumor

A variety of studies were performed to apply gene therapy to malignant tumors. The concept of gene therapy for tumors is different from that for genetic diseases, in which new genes are added to a patient's cells to replace missing or malfunctioning genes. In malignant tumors, the breakthrough in gene therapeutic strategy involved designing suicide gene therapy, 26) which was first applied for malignant glioma in 1992. 26 , 27) The first clinical study was performed on 15 patients with malignant gliomas by Ram et al (phase I/II). 27) Stereotactic intratumoral injections of murine fibroblasts producing a replication-deficient retrovirus vector with a suicide gene (herpes simplex virus-thymidine kinase [HSV-TK]) achieved anti-tumor activity in four patients through bystander killing effects. 27) Subsequently, various types of therapeutic genes have been used to treat malignant glioma. Suicide genes (cytosine deaminase [CD]), genes for immunomodulatory cytokines (interferon [IFN]-β, interleukin [IL]-12, granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]), and genes for reprogramming (p53, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome [PTEN]) have been applied to the treatment of malignant glioma using viral vectors. 28 , 29)

Recently, a nonlytic, amphotropic retroviral replicating vector (RRV) and immortalized human neural stem cell (NSC) line were used for gene delivery to invasive glioma. 30 – 32) In 2012, a nonlytic, amphotropic RRV called Toca 511 was developed for the delivery of a suicide gene (CD) to tumors. 32) A tumor-selective Toca 511 combined with a prodrug (Toca FC) was evaluated in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma in phase I clinical trial. 30) The complete response rate was 11.3% in 53 patients. 30) In addition, the sub-analysis of this clinical trial revealed that the objective response was 21.7% in the 23-patient phase III eligible subgroup. 33) However, in the recent phase III trial, treatment with Toca 511 and Toca FC did not improve overall survival compared with standard therapy in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma. A further combinational treatment strategy using programmed cell-death ligand 1 (PD-L1) checkpoint blockade delivered by TOCA-511 was evaluated in experimental models, which may lead to future clinical application. 34) Since 2010, intracranial administration of allogeneic NSCs containing CD gene (HB1.F3. CD) has been performed by a team at City of Hope. Autopsy specimens indicate the HB1.F3. CD migrates toward invaded tumor areas, suggesting a high tumor-trophic migratory capacity of NSCs. 31) No severe toxicities were observed in the trial. Generally, it is difficult to obtain NSCs derived from human embryonic or fetal tissue. The use of human embryos for research on embryonic stem cells is ethically controversial because it involves the destruction of human embryos, and the use of fetal tissue associated with abortion also raises ethical considerations. 35) Recently, the tumor-trophic migratory activity of NSCs derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) was shown using organotypic brain slice culture. 36) Moreover, hiPSC-derived NSCs with the HSV-TK suicide gene system demonstrated considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of experimental glioma models. 36) Furthermore, iPSCs have the ability to overcome ethical and practical issues of NSCs in clinical application.

New Genetic Engineering Technologies for Gene Therapy

Genetic engineering technologies using viral vectors to randomly insert therapeutic genes into a host genome raised concerns about insertional mutagenesis and oncogene activation. Therefore, new technology to intentionally insert genes at site-specific locations was needed. Genome editing is a genetic engineering method that uses nucleases or molecular scissors to intentionally introduce alterations into the genome of living organisms. 6) As of 2015, three types of engineered nucleases have been used: ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas ( Table 2 ). 6)

CRISPR/Cas9: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins 9, PAM: protospacer adjacent motif, TALENs: transcription activator-like effector nucleases, ZFNs: zinc finger nucleases

Genome editing tools

ZFNs are fusions of the nonspecific DNA cleavage domain of the Fok I restriction endonuclease and zinc-finger proteins that lead to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Zinc-finger domains recognize a trinucleotide DNA sequence ( Fig. 1 ). However, design and selection of zinc-finber arrays is difficult and time-consuming. 37)

Genome editing tools. Three types of genome editing tools including ZFNs, TALENs, and CRISPR/Cas9 are shown. ZFNs are hybrid proteins using zinc-finger arrays and the catalytic domain of FokI endonuclease. TALENs are hybrid proteins containing the TAL effector backbone and the catalytic domain of FokI endonuclease. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is composed of Cas9 endonuclease and sgRNA. Cas9: CRISPR-associated-9, CRISPR: clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats, sgRNA: single-guide RNA, TALENs: transcription activator-like effector nucleases, ZFNs: zinc-finger nucleases.

TALENs are fusions of the Fok I cleavage domain and DNA-binding domains derived from TALE proteins. TALEs have multiple 33–35 amino acid repeat domains that recognizes a single base pair, leading to the targeted DSBs, similar to ZFNs ( Fig. 1 ). 38)

The CRISPR/Cas9 system consists of Cas9 nuclease and two RNAs (CRISPR RNA [crRNA] and trans- activating CRISPR RNA [tracrRNA]). 39) The crRNA/tracrRNA complex (gRNA) induces the Cas9 nuclease and cleaves DNA upstream of a protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM, 5’-NGG-3’ for S. pyogenes ) ( Fig. 1 ). 40) Currently, Cas9 from S. pyogenes (SpCas9) is the most popular tool for genome editing. 40)

Critical issues in geneome editing

Several studies have demonstrated the off-target effects of Cas9/gRNA complexes. 41) It is important to select unique target sites without closely homologous sequences, resulting in minimum off-target effects. 42) Additionally, other CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools were developed to mitigate off-target effects, including gRNA modifications (slightly truncated gRNAs with shorter regions of target complementarity <20 nucleotides) 43) and SpCas9 variants, such as Cas9 paired nickases (a Cas9 nickase mutant or dimeric Cas9 proteins combined with pairs of gRNAs). 44) The type I CRISPR-mediated distinct DNA cleavage (CRISPR/Cas3 system) was developed recently in Japan to decrease the risk of off-target effets. Cas3 triggered long-range deletions upstream of the PAM (5'-ARG). 45)

A confirmatory screening of off-target effects is necessary for ensuring the safe application of genome editing technologies. 46) Although off-target mutations in the genome, including the noncoding region, can be evaluated using whole genome sequencing, this method is expensive and time-consuming. With the development of unbiased genome-wide cell-based methods, GUIDE-seq (genome-wide, unbiased identification of DSBs enabled by sequencing) 47) and BLESS (direct in situ breaks labeling, enrichment on streptavidin; next-generation sequencing) 48) were developed to detect off-target cleavage sites, and these methods do not require high sequencing read counts.

Applications of Genome Editing Technologies

Gene therapy has in- vivo and ex- vivo strategies. For the in- vivo strategy, vectors containing therapeutic genes are directly delivered into the patients, and genetic modification occurs in situ . For the ex- vivo strategy, the harvested cells are modified by the appropriate gene delivery tools in vitro (e.g., recombinant viruses and genome editing technologies). The modified cells are then delivered back to the patient via autologous or allogeneic transplantation after the evaluation of off-target effects ( Fig. 2 ).

In- vivo and ex- vivo strategies of gene therapy. In- vivo and ex- vivo gene transfer strategies are shown. For in- vivo gene transfer, genetic materials containing therapeutic genes, such as viral vectors, nanoparticles, and ribosomes, are delivered directly to the patient, and genetic modification occurs in situ . For ex- vivo gene transfer, the harvested cells are modified by the appropriate gene delivery tools in vitro (e.g., recombinant viruses genome editing technologies). The modified cells are then delivered back to the patient via autologous or allogeneic transplantation after the evaluation of off-target effects.

HIV-resistant T cells were established by ZFN- mediated disruption of the C-C chemokine receptor (CCR) 5 coreceptor for HIV-I, which is being evaluated as an ex- vivo modification in early-stage clinical trials. 49 , 50) Disruption of CCR5 using ZFNs was the first-in-human application of a genome editing tool. Regarding hematologic disorders, since 2016, clinical trials have attempted the knock-in of the factor IX gene using AAV/ZFN-mediated genome editing approach for patients with hemophilia B. 51)

In addition to these promising ongoing clinical trials for genetic diseases, CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN technologies have improved the effect of cancer immunotherapy using genome-engineered T cells. Engineered T cells express synthetic receptors (chimeric antigen receptors, CARs) that can recognize epitopes on tumor cells. The FDA approved two CD19-targeting CAR-T-cell products for B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. 52 , 53) Engineered CARs target many other antigens of blood cancers, including CD30 in Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as CD33, CD123, and FLT3 of acute myeloid leukemia. 54) Recent research has shown that Cas9-mediated PD-1 disruption in the CAR-T cells improved the anti-tumor effect observed in in- vitro and in- vivo experimental models, leading to the performance of a clinical trial. 55 , 56) All other ongoing clinical trials using genome-editing technologies are highlighted in Table 3 .

AAV: adeno-associated virus, CAR: chimeric antigen receptor, CRISPR/Cas9: clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated 9 proteins, HIV: human immunodeficiency virus, HPV: human papillovirus, MPS: mucopolysaccharidosis, N/A: not available, PD-1: programmed cell death-1, TALEN: transcription activator-like effector nucleases, ZFN: zinc finger nucleases

Future Direction

Gene therapy has advanced treatments for patients with congenital diseases and cancers throughout recent decades by optimizating various types of vectors and the introduction of new techniques including genome editing tools. The CRISPR/Cas9 system is considered one of the most powerful tools for genetic engineering because of its high efficiency, low cost, and ease of use. CRISPR technologies have progressed and are expected to continuously advance. Although there are still many challenging obstacles to overcome to achieve safe clinical application, these methods provide the possibility of treatment for a wide variety of human diseases.

Acknowledgement

We thank Lisa Kreiner, PhD, from Edanz Group (https://en-author-services.edanzgroup.com/) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

Conflicts of Interest Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest associated with this manuscript. This work was supported in part by grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) (18K19622 to M.T.). All authors have registered online Self-reported COI Disclosure Statement Forms through the website for JNS members.

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Genetically modified organisms.

A genetically modified organism contains DNA that has been altered using genetic engineering. Genetically modified animals are mainly used for research purposes, while genetically modified plants are common in today’s food supply.

Biology, Ecology, Genetics, Health

Photo of a genetically engineered Salmon. Created so that it continuously produces growth hormones and can be sold as a full size fish after 18 months instead of 3 years.

Photograph by Paulo Oliveira/Alamy Stock Photo

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an animal, plant, or microbe whose DNA has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.

For thousands of years, humans have used breeding methods to modify organisms . Corn, cattle, and even dogs have been selectively bred over generations to have certain desired traits . Within the last few decades, however, modern advances in biotechnology have allowed scientists to directly modify the DNA of micro organisms , crops, and animals.

Conventional methods of modifying plants and animals— selective breeding and crossbreeding —can take a long time. Moreover, selective breeding and crossbreeding often produce mixed results, with unwanted traits appearing alongside desired characteristics. The specific targeted modification of DNA using biotechnology has allowed scientists to avoid this problem and improve the genetic makeup of an organism without unwanted characteristics tagging along.

Most animals that are GMOs are produced for use in laboratory research. These animals are used as “models” to study the function of specific genes and, typically, how the genes relate to health and disease. Some GMO animals, however, are produced for human consumption. Salmon, for example, has been genetically engineered to mature faster, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that these fish are safe to eat.

GMOs are perhaps most visible in the produce section. The first genetically engineered plants to be produced for human consumption were introduced in the mid-1990s. Today, approximately 90 percent of the corn, soybeans, and sugar beets on the market are GMOs. Genetically engineered crops produce higher yields, have a longer shelf life, are resistant to diseases and pests, and even taste better. These benefits are a plus for both farmers and consumers. For example, higher yields and longer shelf life may lead to lower prices for consumers, and pest-resistant crops means that farmers don’t need to buy and use as many pesticides to grow quality crops. GMO crops can thus be kinder to the environment than conventionally grown crops.

Genetically modified foods do cause controversy, however. Genetic engineering typically changes an organism in a way that would not occur naturally. It is even common for scientists to insert genes into an organism from an entirely different organism. This raises the possible risk of unexpected allergic reactions to some GMO foods. Other concerns include the possibility of the genetically engineered foreign DNA spreading to non-GMO plants and animals. So far, none of the GMOs approved for consumption have caused any of these problems, and GMO food sources are subject to regulations and rigorous safety assessments.

In the future, GMOs are likely to continue playing an important role in biomedical research. GMO foods may provide better nutrition and perhaps even be engineered to contain medicinal compounds to enhance human health. If GMOs can be shown to be both safe and healthful, consumer resistance to these products will most likely diminish.

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Production Managers

Program specialists, specialist, content production, last updated.

October 19, 2023

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

Genetic Engineering: A Serious Threat to Human Society

Scientists have been trying to create synthetic life, life created in lab, for many years. The first breakthrough in this process happened about thirty years ago when genetic engineers began to genetically modify organisms (Savulescu). These engineers physically move genes across species in order to improve an organism or to cause an organism to function differently. Even though this process sounds as if it happens only in fantasy games, genetically modified organisms are common. For example, genetically modified crops are used every day in the world’s food supply and genetically modified bacteria have been used in medicine, chemical manufacturing, and bio warfare (Pickrell). Slowly, genetic engineering has become a powerful tool in many different fields. Recently, genetic engineering’s potential power increased when Craig Venter, a famous geneticist and entrepreneurs, recreated a living organism out of synthetic chemicals. His success proved to genetic engineers that functioning genomes can be made purely of synthetic chemicals. This power would allow genetic engineers to build new artificial genomes instead of having to modify naturally existing genomes. Genetic engineers now have the chance to broaden their fields’ applications. However, genetic engineering is unpredictable and dangerous, and broadening the application of genetic engineering only furthers the risks. Genetically engineered organisms pose lethal and economic risks to human society.

The availability of genomic information and genetic engineering technology creates a lethal threat to humanity because terrorists can use both the information and technology to recreate deadly pathogens, such as the poliovirus. The naturally occurring poliovirus killed and paralyzed millions of people for many years. In 1988, a worldwide vaccination campaign against the virus nearly exterminated it from the environment, and this solved the poliovirus epidemic. However, in 2002, well intentioned scientists decided to recreate the poliovirus for research means. Using the genomic sequence of the poliovirus found on a public database and commercially available machines, these scientists synthesized fragments of viral genomes into a functional poliovirus (Avise 7). These scientists proved that deadly pathogens can be recreated from genetic engineering techniques. Also, the information and technology used in genetic engineering is readily available and relativity cheap (Kuzma and Tanji 3). Mixing the power to recreate a deadly pathogen with the public availability of genetic engineering information and technology creates a lethal risk to humanity when terrorist exist in society. Terrorist could use genetic engineering to reinstate the poliovirus into the environment, and the virus would kill and paralyze more people. Luckily, these scientists were filled with good intent; however, there is nothing to prevent terrorists from harming innocent lives. Recreating deadly pathogens makes genetic engineering dangerous enough; however, genetic engineers also have the potential to improve the effectiveness of deadly pathogens, such as Y. pestis.

Genetic engineers can make deadly pathogens, such as Y. pestis, resistant to modern antibiotics, and these pathogens could kill innocent people if used as a weapon. Y. pestis, also known as the black plague, wreaked havoc on humanity during the Middle Ages by killing millions of people. In response to a Y. pestis threat during the 20th century, scientists developed an effective vaccine for the pathogen. However, genetic engineers at Biopreparat, a Russian biological warfare agency, engineered a new Y. pestis strain with genetic resistance to modern antibiotics and natural human immunity (Avise 6). The genetically engineered Y. pestis was more deadly and effective than the natural Y. pestis that killed millions of people during the Middle Ages. Biopreparat’s research proved that deadly pathogens can be genetically engineered into superior forms that are resistant to modern medicine. If this strain of Y. pestis was released, a black plague would devastate current human society. Militaries could use the same genetic engineering techniques that Biopreparat used to create deadly biological weapons. With this ability to make deadly pathogens resistant to modern medicine, genetically engineered organisms become lethal weapons that cannot be stopped. Other than lethal weapons, genetically engineered organisms can produce lethal chemical compounds when they are used as a manufacturing tool in the chemical industry.

Showa Denko’s genetically modified bacteria produced a lethal L-tryptophan amino acid that killed and disabled people who took the company’s food supplements. In 1989, an epidemic of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome, a syndrome that is characterized by a high eosinophil count and severe muscle pain, struck the United States (Genetic Engineering: Too Good to Go Wrong 9). This epidemic killed a hundred people and physically disabled ten thousand patients, some of which were paralyzed. Doctors eventually discovered that L-tryptophan, an amino acid used as a food supplement, was causing the epidemic. In 1990, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that only people who took the L-tryptophan supplement made by Showa Denko, a Japanese biotech company, came down with EMS. Showa Denko’s genetically engineered organisms produced corrupted forms of L-tryptophan that were dangerous to human health (Smith 4).

Many chemical companies want to use genetically engineered organisms to produce chemicals because it is cheaper than normal manufacturing methods. If chemical companies begin to rely on genetically engineered organisms to produce food and medical chemicals, the public could be at risk for another dangerous outbreak of lethal chemicals. Using genetically engineered organisms to cutting down manufacturing costs seems as if it will help the economy; however, genetically engineered organisms, specifically anti-material organisms, can hurt economies more than help them.

Genetic engineers possess the ability to create anti-material organisms that can degrade infrastructure and man-made materials, and malicious people can use these organisms to tear down society’s infrastructures and economies. In nature, there are many organisms with the ability to degrade infrastructure and man-made materials. These microbes cost governments and industries millions of dollars in biodeterioration and biodegradation damages. For instance, bacteria are the leading cause of road and runway deterioration. In Houston, Texas, microbes have been known to degrade the concrete in the city’s sewage systems, and the city has spent millions of dollars trying to contain the problem. High-tech companies, such as airlines and fuel companies, constantly have their facilities and machinery being degraded away by anti-material organisms. These natural organisms cause enough damage to infrastructure, and fixing the damage is expensive and time consuming (Sunshine Project 2). Similarly to the artificially made poliovirus, genetic engineers have the potential to recreate or improve these naturally occurring anti-material organisms. In theory, malicious people could unleash genetically engineered anti-material organisms on infrastructures worldwide, and this would create an expensive cleanup project for governments and companies. With these expensive damages, genetically engineered organisms can destroy economies. The same economic and environmental dangers of anti-material organisms can also be seen in genetically modified crops.

Genetically modified crops will negatively impact the economy and environment because engineered genetic resistance is ineffective at stopping natural parasites in the long term. Farmers use genetically modified crops because these crops contain a genetic resistance to parasites, such as insect pests and microbes. In evolution, two organisms that are in a parasitic relationship evolve in a balance with each other. When genetically modified plants are placed into a natural environment, parasites will evolve in a direction that allows them to bypass the genetic resistance engineered into the crops. Since the majority of crop parasites go through successive generations at a fast pace, these parasites will quickly evolve into a population that can surpass the genetic resistance. This evolutionary process makes the benefits of genetically modified crops short lived. Farmers, who pay more for genetically modified seed than natural seed, then have to pay for harmful and expensive pesticides to protect their crops. In the end, farmers will lose money due to the increased costs of buying genetically modified crops and dangerous pesticides. Also, dangerous chemicals, such as DDT, will be reintroduced into the environment (Avise 73). The ineffectiveness of genetically modified crops creates an economic and environmental risk to human society in the long run since farmers will be losing more money and introducing dangerous chemicals into the environment.

Genetically engineered organisms pose an enormous risk to human society on a lethal and economic front. Natural lethal pathogens, such as the poliovirus and Y. pestis, can be recreated or improved, and malicious people could use these genetically engineered pathogens to kill millions of people. Chemicals manufactured by genetically modified bacteria have proven to be harmful to human health, which was the case during the EMS epidemic in the United States. On an economic front, genetically engineered organisms increase costs instead of minimizing them, and they harm the environment. Anti-material organisms can be created to deteriorate infrastructures, and this would cost governments and industries millions of dollars in repair costs. Also, genetically modified crops in the long term will cost farmers more money than they save because the advantages of the genetically modified crops will be nullified by evolving parasites. Genetically engineered organisms have a huge potential to harm society. However, researching new methods and applications of genetic engineering will not stop because scientists believe in the vast opportunities of the field. In order to keep human society safe, scientists must exhaust all options before turning to the power of genetic engineering. It is an unwise idea to rely on genetic engineering since it is unpredictable and imprecise form of engineering.

Bibliography

Avise, John C.  The Hope, Hype, & Reality of Genetic Engineering . Oxford: Oxford UP, 2004. Web. 14 Nov. 2010.

Benner, Steven. "Q&A: Life, Synthetic Biology and Risk." BMC Biology 8 (2010): 77.  Biomed Central . 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/8/77>.

“Debate: Artificial life.” http://debatepedia.idebate.org/‌en/‌index.php/‌Debate:_Artificial_life. N.p., 2010. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. <http://debatepedia.idebate.org/‌en/‌index.php/‌Debate:_Artificial_life>.

"Genetic Engineering: Too Good to Go Wrong?"  Green Peace . 2000. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. <http://archive.greenpeace.org/comms/97/geneng/getoogoo.html#3gen>.

Hurlbert, R. E. "Biological Weapons; Malignant Biology." Washington State University. 2000. Web. 13 Oct. 2010.

Institute for Responsible Technology. "State of the Science on the Health Risks of GM Foods."  Responsible Technology . 2007. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://www.saynotogmos.org/paper.pdf>.

Kuzma, Jennifer, and Todd Tanji. "Unpackaging Synthetic Biology."  Regulation & Governance  4.1 (2010): 92-112. Wiley Online Library. 2010. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-5991.2010.01071.x/full>.

Pickrell, John. “Introduction: GM Organisms.”  New Scientist . N.p., 2010. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. <http://www.newscientist.com/‌article/‌dn9921-instant-expert-gm-organisms.html>.

Savulescu, Julian. “A matter of synthetic life and death: Venter’s artificial organism invention is fraught with peril.”  New York Daily News . N.p., 2010. Web. 20 Sept. 2010. <http://www.nydailynews.com/>.

Smith, Jeffrey M. "Scrambling and Gambling with the Genome."  Say No To GMOs!  Aug. 2005. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://www.saynotogmos.org>.

Sunshine Project. "Non-Lethal Weapons Research in the US."  Sunshine Project . Mar. 2002. Web. 13 Oct. 2010. <http://www.sunshine-project.org/publications/bk/bk9en.html>.

Union of Concerned Scientists. "Risks of Genetic Engineering."  Union of Concerned Scientists . 2010. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. <http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/science_and_impacts/impacts_genetic_engineering/risks_of_genetic_engineeringeering.html#New_Allergens_in_the_Food_Supply>.

Articles copyright © 2024 the original authors. No part of the contents of this Web journal may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission from the author or the Academic Writing Program of the University of Maryland. The views expressed in these essays do not represent the views of the Academic Writing Program or the University of Maryland.

• Academic Departments
• Centers, Institutes & Labs
• Faculty Directory
• Offices & Programs
• Patient Care
• Student Resources
• Faculty Resources

Can't find what you're looking for?

• Centers, Institutes & Labs
• Offices & Programs

This is a site-wide search. if you already know what you're looking for, try visiting a section of the site first to see A-Z listings.

Results for " "

Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering

Section menu, introduction.

The cells of a human being or other organism have parts called “genes” that control the chemical reactions in the cell that make it grow and function and ultimately determine the growth and function of the organism.  An organism inherits some genes from each parent and thus the parents pass on certain traits to their offspring.

Gene therapy and genetic engineering are two closely related technologies that involve altering the genetic material of organisms. The distinction between the two is based on purpose. Gene therapy seeks to alter genes to correct genetic defects and thus prevent or cure genetic diseases. Genetic engineering aims to modify the genes to enhance the capabilities of the organism beyond what is normal.

Ethical controversy surrounds possible use of the both of these technologies in plants, nonhuman animals, and humans.  Particularly with genetic engineering, for instance, one wonders whether it would be proper to tinker with human genes to make people able to outperform the greatest Olympic athletes or much smarter than Einstein.

Confusing Terminology

If genetic engineering is meant in a very broad sense to include any intentional genetic alteration, then it includes gene therapy.  Thus one hears of “therapeutic genetic engineering” (gene therapy) and “negative genetic engineering” (gene therapy), in contrast with “enhancement genetic engineering” and “positive genetic engineering” (what we call simply “genetic engineering”).

We use the phrase “genetic engineering” more narrowly for the kind of alteration that aims at enhancement rather than therapy.  We use the term “gene therapy” for efforts to bring people up to normalcy and “genetic engineering” or “enhancement genetic engineering” for efforts to enhancement people’s capabilities beyond normalcy.

Somatic Cells and Reproductive Cells

Two fundamental kinds of cell are somatic cells and reproductive cells. Most of the cells in our bodies are somatic – cells that make up organs like skin, liver, heart, lungs, etc., and these cells vary from one another.  Changing the genetic material in these cells is not passed along to a person’s offspring.  Reproductive cells are sperm cells, egg cells, and cells from very early embryos.  Changes in the genetic make-up of reproductive cells would be passed along to the person’s offspring.  Those reproductive cell changes could result in different genetics in the offspring’s somatic cells than otherwise would have occurred because the genetic makeup of somatic cells is directly linked to that of the germ cells from which they are derived.

Techniques of Genetic Alteration

Two problems must be confronted when changing genes.  The first is what kind of change to make to the gene.  The second is how to incorporate that change in all the other cells that are must be changed to achieve a desired effect.

There are several options for what kind of change to make to the gene.  DNA in the gene could be replaced by other DNA from outside (called “homologous replacement).  Or the gene could be forced to mutate (change structure – “selective reverse mutation.”)  Or a gene could just be added.  Or one could use a chemical to simply turn off a gene and prevent it from acting.

There are also several options for how to spread the genetic change to all the cells that need to be changed.  If the altered cell is a reproductive cell, then a few such cells could be changed and the change would reach the other somatic cells as those somatic cells were created as the organism develops.  But if the change were made to a somatic cell, changing all the other relevant somatic cells individually like the first would be impractical due to the sheer number of such cells.  The cells of a major organ such as the heart or liver are too numerous to change one-by-one.  Instead, to reach such somatic cells a common approach is to use a carrier, or vector, which is a molecule or organism.  A virus, for example, could be used as a vector.  The virus would be an innocuous one or changed so as not to cause disease.  It would be injected with the genetic material and then as it reproduces and “infects” the target cells it would introduce the new genetic material.  It would need to be a very specific virus that would infect heart cells, for instance, without infecting and changing all the other cells of the body.  Fat particles and chemicals have also been used as vectors because they can penetrate the cell membrane and move into the cell nucleus with the new genetic material.

Arguments in Favor of Gene Therapy and Genetic Engineering

Gene therapy is often viewed as morally unobjectionable, though caution is urged.  The main arguments in its favor are that it offers the potential to cure some diseases or disorders in those who have the problem and to prevent diseases in those whose genes predisposed them to those problems.  If done on reproductive cells, gene therapy could keep children from carrying such genes (for unfavorable genetic diseases and disorders) that the children got from their patients.

Genetic engineering to enhance organisms has already been used extensively in agriculture, primarily in genetically modified (GM) crops (also known as GMO --genetically modified organisms).  For example, crops and stock animals have been engineered so they are resistant to herbicides and pesticides, which means farmers can then use those chemicals to control weeds and insects on those crops without risking harming those plants.  In the future genetic enhancement could be used to create crops with greater yields of nutritional value and selective breeding of farm stock, race horses, and show animals.

Genetically engineered bacteria and other microorganisms are currently used to produce human insulin, human growth hormone, a protein used in blood clotting, and other pharmaceuticals, and the number of such compounds could increase in the future.

Enhancing humans is still in the future, but the basic argument in favor of doing so is that it could make life better in significant ways by enhancing certain characteristics of people.  We value intelligence, beauty, strength, endurance, and certain personality characteristics and behavioral tendencies, and if these traits were found to be due to a genetic component we could enhance people by giving them such features.  Advocates of genetic engineering point out that many people try to improve themselves in these ways already – by diet, exercise, education, cosmetics, and even plastic surgery.  People try to do these things for themselves, and parents try to provide these things for their children.  If exercising to improve strength, agility, and overall fitness is a worthwhile goal, and if someone is praised for pursuing education to increase their mental capabilities, then why would it not be worthwhile to accomplish this through genetics? 

Advocates of genetic engineering also see enhancement as a matter of basic reproductive freedom.  We already feel free to pick a mate partly on the basis of the possibility of providing desirable children.  We think nothing is wrong with choosing a mate whom we hope might provide smart, attractive kids over some other mate who would provide less desirable children.  Choosing a mate for the type of kids one might get is a matter of basic reproductive freedom and we have the freedom to pick the best genes we can for our children.  Why, the argument goes, should we have less freedom to give our children the best genes we can through genetic enhancement?

Those who advocate making significant modification of humans through technology such as genetic engineering are sometimes called “transhumanists.”

Arguments Against Gene Therapy

Three arguments sometimes raised against gene therapy are that it is technically too dangerous, that it discriminates or invites discrimination against persons with disabilities, and that it may be becoming increasingly irrelevant in some cases.

The danger objection points out that a few recent attempts at gene therapy in clinical trials have made headlines because of the tragic deaths of some of the people participating in the trials.  It is not fully known to what extent this was due to the gene therapy itself, as opposed to pre-existing conditions or improper research techniques, but in the light of such events some critics have called for a stop to gene therapy until more is known.  We just do not know enough about how gene therapy works and what could go wrong.  Specific worries are that

• the vectors may deliver the DNA to cells other than the target cells, with unforeseen results
• viruses as vectors may not be as innocuous as assumed and may cause disease
• adding new genes to a nucleus does not guarantee they will go where desired, with potentially disastrous results if they insert in the wrong place
• if the changes are not integrated with other DNA already in the nucleus, the changes may not carry over to new cells and the person may have to undergo more therapy later
• changing reproductive cells may cause events not seen until years later, and undesirable effects may have already been passed on to the patient’s children

The discrimination objection is as follows.  Some people who are physically, mentally, or emotionally impaired are so as the result of genetic factors they have inherited.  Such impairment can result in disablement in our society.  People with disabilities are often discriminated against by having fewer opportunities than other people.  Be removing genetic disorders, and resulting impairment, it is true that gene therapy could contribute to removing one of the sources of discrimination and inequality in society.  But the implicit assumption being made, the objection claims, is that people impaired through genetic factors need to be treated and made normal.  The objection sees gene therapy as a form of discrimination against impaired people and persons with disabilities.

The irrelevance objection is that gene therapy on reproductive cells may in some cases already be superseded by in-vitro fertilization and selection of embryos.  If a genetic disorder is such that can be detected in an early embryo, and not all embryos from the parent couple would have it, then have parents produce multiple embryos through in-vitro fertilization and implant only those free from the disorder.  In such a case gene therapy would be unnecessary and irrelevant.

Arguments Against Genetic Engineering

Ethicists have generally been even more concerned about possible problems with and implications of enhancement genetic engineering than they have been about gene therapy.  First, there are worries similar to those about gene therapy that not enough is known and there may be unforeseen dangerous consequences.  These worries may be even more serious given that the attempts are made not just toward normalcy but into strange new territory where humans have never gone before.  We just do not know what freakish creatures might result from experiments gone awry.

Following are some other important objections:

• Genetic engineering is against the natural or supernatural order.  The thought here is that God, or evolution, has created a set of genes for human beings that are either what we should have or that offer us the best survival value.  It is against what God or nature intended to tinker with this genetic code, not to bring it up to normal (as in gene therapy), but to create new kinds of beings. This type of objection is compatible both with “creationism,” the belief that God created humans just as they are, and also the belief in evolution.  On the latter view, humans consciously enhancing their genes is considered different than allowing the natural process of evolution to “choose” the genes we have.
• Genetic engineering is dehumanizing because it will create nonhuman, alienated creatures.  Genetically engineered people will be alienated from themselves, or feel a confused identify, or no longer feel human, or the human race will feel alienated from itself.  Genetically engineered people won’t have a sense of being part of the human race but they will not have enough in common with other such creatures to feel like they belong with any of them either.  People will be alienated even from their radically different genetically engineered children, who could very well be a separate species.
• Genetic engineered creatures will suffer from obsolescence.  Computers become obsolete quickly as newer models are introduced.  But this could happen to genetically engineered people.  The hot gene enhancement of one year will be old news several years later.  Parents will be obsolete by the standards of their children, and teenagers will be hopelessly outclassed by their younger siblings.
• Genetic engineering is a version of eugenics and evokes memories of the historical eugenics movement of the earlier part of the twentieth century in America and Nazi Germany.  “Eugenics” is the view that we should improve the genetics of the human race; often advocated are such practices as selective breeding, forced sterilization of “defectives” and “undesirables” (people with genetic disorders or undesirable characteristics or traits, people with disabilities, people of other races, people of other ethnic groups, homosexuals), and euthanasia of such populations.  It probably reached an extreme form in Nazi Germany, where mass exterminations took place, but eugenics sentiments existed prior to that in the U.S.  These practices are now largely viewed as morally abhorrent.  Critics of genetic engineering see it as an attempt at eugenics through technology.

Gene therapy is becoming a reality as you read this.  Genetic engineering for enhancement is still a ways off.  Plenty of debate is sure to occur over both issues.

More Centers, Institutes and Labs

• Baker Research Lab
• Becevic Telehealth Lab
• Biomedical Informatics
• Cardiac Cell Physiology Lab
• Center for Education and Development
• Center for Health Ethics
• Center for Health Policy
• Center for Medical Epidemiology and Population Health (CMEPH)
• Center for Patient-Centered Outcomes Research
• Center for Precision Medicine
• Child Health Research Institute
• Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center
• Cognition, Aging, Sleep, and Health Lab (CASH)
• Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory
• Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Center
• Craniofacial Research Center
• Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center
• Electron Microscopy Core Facility
• Ellis Fischel Cancer Center
• Fay Research Lab
• Functional Assessment Screening Team
• Health Informatics in Diabetes Research (HIDR) Core
• Health Intervention and Treatment Research Lab
• Immunity & Autoimmunity Research Lab
• International Institute of Nano and Molecular Medicine
• Lei Research Lab
• Microcirculation Laboratory
• Missouri Health Information Technology Assistance Center
• Missouri Orthopaedic Bioskills Laboratory
• Mizzou OneHealth Biorepository
• Mizzou Sleep Research Lab
• MU Center for Translational Neuroscience
• MU Student Health Center
• MU Surgical Center for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness (MUSCORE)
• Narrative Medicine and Health Innovation Lab
• Pulmonary Imaging Research Lab
• Rural Health Research Center
• Shelden Clinical Simulation Center
• Subramanian Research Lab
• Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment
• Thompson Laboratory for Regenerative Orthopaedics

Happenings at MU School of Medicine

Stories that inspire.

Alumni Spotlight: Irl B. Hirsch, MD ‘84

2024 Orthotics Review Course for Physicians and Allied Health Providers

Rajiv R. Mohan, PhD, named 2023 AAAS Fellow

University of Missouri Researchers Pursuing Groundbreaking Living Knee Joint Replacement

See All News

Columbia, MO 65212 Contact

Emergency Information

Sign up for our monthly newsletter

Copyright © 2023 — Curators of the University of Missouri . All rights reserved. DMCA and other copyright information . Equal Opportunity/Access/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled & Veteran Employer . For website issues, contact MU Health Care Communications . Contact the MU School of Medicine .