The gene-editing CRISPR has now been utilized by scientists to prevent the replication of Coronavirus in human cells, which can ultimately become a new treatment for the contagious virus. However, since these studies were performed on lab dishes, this treatment can be years away from now.

Firstly, CRISPR is a genome-editing tool that is faster, cheaper, and more accurate than past DNA editing techniques whilst having a much broader range of use. The system works by using two molecules: Cas9 and guide RNA (gRNA). Cas9 is an enzyme that acts as “molecular scissors” that cuts two strands of DNA at a specific location. gRNA binds to DNA and guides Cas9 to the right location of the genome and ultimately makes sure that Cas9 cuts at the right point.

 

CRISPR'S Cas9 enzyme in action

CRISPR’S Cas9 enzyme in action

In this instance, CRISPR is used to allow the microbes to target and destroy the genetic material of viruses. However, they target and destroy the RNA rather than the DNA. The specific enzyme they use for this is Cas13b, which cleaves the single strands of RNA, similar to those that are seen in SARS-CoV-2. Once the enzyme Cas13b binds to the RNA, it destroys the part of the RNA that the virus needs to replicate. This method has been found to even work on new mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 genome, including the alpha variant.

COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed around the world, but an effective and immediate treatment for the virus is necessary. There are many fears that the virus will be able to escape the vaccines and become a bigger threat. Although this treatment is a step in the right direction for effective treatment of COVID-19, this technique will ultimately take a long time for the treatment to be publicly available.

CRISPR is greatly relevant to AP Bio, as seen through its use of enzymes in DNA replication. CRISPR utilizes Cas9, an enzyme that is similar to helicase. In DNA replication, the helicase untwists the DNA at the replication fork, which after the DNA strands are replicated in both directions. 

This article is fairly outdated since there have now been immediate treatments created for COVID-19. But, what do you think about the use of CRISPR for future viruses and pandemics? Personally, I believe that CRISPR will ultimately become a historical achievement in science due to its various uses. Thank you for reading and let me know what you think in the comments! 

 

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