CRISPR: A Tool for Precise Genetic Modification

By: Mit Trivedi, Research Scientist, Canomiks

CRISPR technology is a significant scientific breakthrough and its use is ever growing. We are often asked how CRISPR might impact the natural products industry. By enabling precise genetic editing, CRISPR can dramatically change how we cultivate, enhance, and utilize plant-derived compounds. This revolutionary capability could unlock novel compounds, impacting the pharmaceutical, functional foods, dietary supplements, cosmetic, and food industries. In this article, we will explore what CRISPR is, its diverse applications, and how at Canomiks we can help ensure the safety and efficacy of CRISPR-modified products.

What is CRISPR?
CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a component of bacterial immune systems that can cut DNA and can be used as a gene editing tool. Cas9 (CRISPR-associated protein 9) is an enzyme that can use CRISPR sequences as a guide to recognize and open up specific DNA strands. Functioning like molecular scissors, CRISPR allows scientists to cut those specific DNA sequences and introduce changes at exact locations. This capability to edit DNA at precise locations enables researchers to investigate genetic functions and correct mutations at their source. 

Applications of CRISPR in Agriculture

  • In agriculture, CRISPR is transforming how we enhance crop traits without the need for traditional breeding methods. 

  • With CRISPR, scientists can target specific traits to enhance, such as increasing yield, improving resistance to pests and diseases, or enhancing drought tolerance.

  • This is done by making small, precise modifications to the plant’s own DNA, such as turning off a gene associated with susceptibility to a disease. 

  • The speed and accuracy of CRISPR mean that these changes can be made in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional breeding methods, and without introducing foreign DNA, as is common with genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Applications of CRISPR in Healthcare

  • CRISPR offers hope for curing genetic diseases at their source by correcting the specific genetic mutations that are responsible. 

  • For example, CRISPR is being researched for its potential to treat inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease by directly repairing the faulty genes in patients’ DNA.

  • Beyond genetic disorders, CRISPR is also being explored for its ability to fight cancer by editing the genes of immune cells, making them better equipped to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

  • CRISPR technology also aids in the rapid development of vaccines by allowing for precise genetic manipulations of viral genomes.

  • Additionally, the precision makes it an invaluable tool in developing more effective and personalized medicines.

Canomiks’ Safety and Quality Assurance

While CRISPR technology holds immense promise, questions often arise about the biological effects of CRISPR-modified plants and botanicals. Although we do not directly use CRISPR at Canomiks, we are able to verify if CRISPR-modified plants and botanicals have the same beneficial effects as traditionally grown ones. If we work with a company that utilized CRISPR, we can see if the genetic modifications made a positive or negative difference, maintaining the integrity and safety of natural products for consumers.

With the advancements we have seen in CRISPR technology and Canomiks' role in verifying its applications, it's clear that this field is continuously expanding and holds immense potential. As CRISPR research progresses, we uncover new possibilities in agriculture, medicine, and beyond. The ever-growing nature of CRISPR opens doors to innovation and improvement, promising exciting developments in the future.