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Gene & Protein in Disease Enhancing fertility with CRISPR

with a particularly promising application in in vivo with methods such as viral vectors, DNA plasmid vectors,
treatment for genetic disorders in humans. Gene therapy electroporation, and microinjections, each having
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shows potential in addressing gynecological disorders, drawbacks ranging from cytotoxicity to the permanent
including ovarian, cervical, and endometrial cancer, permeabilization of plasma membranes. 47
uterine leiomyomas, endometriosis, and complications
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with placental and embryo implantation. Research 4.1. Concerns over designer babies and eugenics
on premature ovarian insufficiency explores genetic Genome editing in germlines holds the potential to
therapy targets such as the follicle-stimulating hormone eliminate heritable genetic disorders and enhance human
receptor, apoptosis management alterations, Sal-like four health significantly. However, along with these potential
gene polymorphisms, and deficiencies in thymulin or benefits, there are accompanying risks and disadvantages,
basonuclin-1. 91 particularly if not used and regulated properly. A major
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CRISPR research extends to comprehending and concern is the concept of “designer babies”, where the
treating various diseases, including reproductive system use of genome editing in human embryos may usher in
cancers. A synthetic technique for in vivo CRISPR-mediated a new era of “new eugenics,” potentially widening social
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activation of tumor suppressor genes has shown promise disparities. The contentious issue of creating genetically
in reducing tumor burden. CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing modified children using CRISPR technology raises ethical
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exhibits potential in treating gynecological disorders such questions about the manipulation of infants, commonly
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as cervical, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Studies on referred to as designer babies. Bioethical and social
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endometrial cancer reveal the preventive effects of cationic concerns surrounding genome editing in germline cells
microbubbles containing paclitaxel and CRISPR/Cas9 primarily stem from these ethical dilemmas. Another
significant concern involves the potential application
plasmids in a mouse xenograft model. Animal models of CRISPR technology in eugenics, where it could be
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of endometrioid carcinoma and high-grade serous employed to alter human attributes to create “superior”
carcinoma have been developed using CRISPR/Cas9- individuals or eliminate “undesirable” traits. This
mediated somatic gene editing. Despite the effectiveness application raises ethical concerns due to the possibility of
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of CRISPR-Cas9 in treating gynecological malignancies, unforeseen consequences, discrimination, and the loss of
further research is needed to address potential drawbacks, genetic diversity. 105-107
such as off-target effects, before widespread clinical
application. Although gene therapy for reproductive 4.2. Regulation and oversight of CRISPR applications
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disorders is in its early stages, promising results suggest its in reproductive biology
potential role in future treatments. 90,91
Regulations and monitoring mechanisms for CRISPR
In conclusion, CRISPR technology holds promise for applications in reproductive biology are currently being
enhancing both male and female reproductive health, as developed by national and international regulatory bodies.
evidenced by trials on NHPs and other animal models. These guidelines aim to address safety criteria, as well
However, ethical considerations must be carefully as social and ethical concerns associated with germline
addressed in the application of this technology. genome editing for reproductive purposes. Regulations
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governing the use of CRISPR in reproductive biology vary
4. Risks and limitations of CRISPR by country and are continually evolving. One notable
technology concern is the potential for dual-use research, where

Despite the apparent advantages of CRISPR/Cas technology, CRISPR technology might be misapplied or intentionally
several downsides require resolution. Particularly, its developed for harmful purposes. 109
application in human embryos raises medical and ethical Historically, both international and state legislation
concerns due to the potential unforeseen consequences, has restricted genome editing, largely due to ethical
such as off-target mutations, which may be inherited by considerations. However, there has been notable progress
subsequent generations. Off-target effects, characterized in reconsidering these laws. A recent consensus statement
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by the unintended cleavage of DNA sequences similar issued after the International Summit on Gene Editing
to the target sequence, pose a significant challenge. 98,99 in Washington, D.C., emphasizes the discouragement of
Another limitation is the low efficiency of multigene germline editing, stating that it should only be considered
editing, which concerns the scientific community. in cases where couples are affected by diseases involving a
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In addition, the CRISPR/Cas system is associated with dominant disease-causing allele in a homozygous state or
cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity. Moreover, the delivery rare recessive homozygous mutations considered lethal.
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of CRISPR components to the desired site is constrained, There is a pressing need for a comprehensive and impartial
Volume 3 Issue 1 (2024) 8 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.2701