Archives of Industrial Biotechnology

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Perspective - Archives of Industrial Biotechnology (2024) Volume 8, Issue 5

The impact of genetic engineering on human health: Promises and risks

Andrew Henslee *

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio State University, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Andrew Henslee
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Ohio State University, USA
E-mail: andrewhenslee@hotmail.com < /dd>

Received: 01-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. AAAIB-24-148722; Editor assigned: 02-Oct-2024, PreQC No AAAIB-24-148722 (PQ) Reviewed:15-Oct-2024, QC No. AAAIB-24-148722 Revised:22-Oct-2024, Manuscript No. AAAIB-24-148722 (R); Published:28-Oct-2024, DOI:10.35841/aaaib-8.5.228

Citation: Henslee A. The impact of genetic engineering on human health: Promises and risks. Arch Ind Biot. 2024;8(5):228

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Introduction

Genetic engineering, a rapidly evolving field of science, has revolutionized medicine by enabling personalized therapies that cater to the specific genetic makeup of individual patients. This transformative approach allows for more precise and effective treatment of diseases, particularly in areas such as cancer, genetic disorders, and rare diseases. By altering an individual's genetic code or manipulating cells at the molecular level, genetic engineering opens the door to highly customized medical interventions that offer hope for better health outcomes [1].

One of the most promising applications of genetic engineering is gene therapy, which involves replacing, altering, or supplementing defective genes to treat or prevent genetic diseases. Disorders such as cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia, which are caused by mutations in a single gene, are prime targets for gene therapy. The success of early clinical trials in correcting these genetic errors offers hope to millions of people who suffer from incurable hereditary conditions [2].

CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary gene-editing tool, has taken genetic engineering to new heights by allowing scientists to cut out and replace faulty DNA sequences with unprecedented accuracy. This technology has the potential to cure a wide range of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's, and HIV. Researchers are also exploring its application in creating genetically modified immune cells that can more effectively fight diseases like leukemia. CRISPR is ushering in an era of precision medicine where treatments can be tailored to a patient’s genetic makeup [3].

Another significant promise of genetic engineering lies in germline editing, where modifications to the genes of embryos or reproductive cells can prevent the transmission of genetic disorders to future generations. This could potentially eradicate certain inherited diseases from the human population. Although still in the experimental stages, the ability to correct faulty genes before birth holds immense promise for reducing the global burden of genetic diseases [4].

Genetic engineering is also advancing the field of pharmacogenomics, which studies how an individual’s genetic makeup influences their response to drugs. By understanding these genetic variations, doctors can prescribe medications that are more effective and have fewer side effects for each patient. This personalized approach to medicine could dramatically improve the success of treatments for a wide range of conditions, from cardiovascular diseases to mental health disorders [5].

Despite its vast potential, genetic engineering poses several risks, particularly in its early stages. One of the primary concerns is the possibility of unintended genetic changes. CRISPR-Cas9, while highly precise, can occasionally cause off-target mutations, leading to unintended consequences in the genome. These unforeseen alterations could disrupt normal biological functions and potentially cause new diseases, some of which may not be immediately apparent [6].

Germline editing, while offering the potential to eradicate genetic diseases, raises significant ethical concerns. Any changes made to the germline are heritable, meaning they will be passed on to future generations. This opens the door to controversial applications such as “designer babies,” where parents could potentially select for desirable traits like intelligence, physical appearance, or athletic ability. The ethical implications of allowing human genetic modification for non-therapeutic purposes have sparked a global debate on where the line should be drawn [7].

Another concern is that access to genetic therapies may exacerbate existing health disparities. Advanced genetic treatments, particularly those involving gene editing, are likely to be expensive, at least initially. This could limit their availability to wealthy individuals or countries, further widening the gap between those with access to cutting-edge healthcare and those without. Ensuring equitable access to the benefits of genetic engineering will be a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide [8].

As genetic testing becomes more widespread, there is a growing risk of genetic discrimination. Employers, insurance companies, and even governments could potentially use an individual’s genetic information to make decisions about employment, insurance coverage, or eligibility for certain services. Although laws like the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) in the United States aim to prevent such abuses, concerns remain about the potential misuse of genetic data in the future [9].

Since genetic engineering is still a relatively new field, there is a limited understanding of its long-term effects. Changes made to the human genome may have unforeseen consequences that could emerge generations later. Additionally, the irreversible nature of some genetic modifications means that mistakes could have permanent, far-reaching implications. This uncertainty underscores the need for thorough research and careful regulation as genetic engineering technologies continue to develop [10].

Conclusion

The impact of genetic engineering on human health is profound, offering unprecedented opportunities to treat, prevent, and even cure a range of diseases. From gene therapy and CRISPR to germline editing and personalized medicine, the potential benefits of this technology are extraordinary. However, alongside these promises come significant risks, including ethical dilemmas, unintended genetic consequences, and concerns about equity and accessibility.

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