What would you change if you had the

power to do so?
Changing Evolutionary Paths
Genomics, Lateral Gene Transfer, and
CRISPR/Cas9 Technology

INTERN/MENTOR G/T
RACHEL MA
 WHAT IS LGT?

Lateral Gene Transfer

Transfer of genetic material laterally
(horizontally) between different species
By transformation, transduction, conjugation
Ensures variation in prokaryotes
How does this apply to eukaryotes??
Bacteria to Eukaryotes:
Coffee borer beetle
GENE THERAPY
- Immunotherapy
- Apoptosis
- Antiangiogenetic therapy
-
What is CRISPR?

Clustered Regularly Interspaced

Short Palindromic Repeats
Viral defense system found in prokaryotes
CRISPR/Cas9 System
Implications?

Basic Safety Concerns

Unintended mutations
Unsuccessful biallele targeting
Genetic mosaicism in the embryo
Ethics and Regulation
How to regulate use?
Germline vs. somatic cells
Embryo editing & consent
Eugenics & selecting for phenotypes
Disparities of access to CRISPR
 Current Regulations
China: non-viable embryos
U.K. Human Fertilization & Embryology Authority
(HFEA)
Viable embryonic research
No transfer to mother or developing past 14
days
The idea that you would affect evolution is
a very profound thing.
- Jennifer Doudna

How will we as humans decide the

limits to where science will take us?
Questions?
Thank you!