GENE EDITING: OPERATING WITHIN THE PRECINCTS OF THE LAW AND ETHICS

Authors

  • A. Essien University of Cross River State, Obubra Campus, Nigeria
  • A. S. Adenaike College of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
  • F. O. Ajayi University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • J. C. Okonkwo University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • C. B. Mark University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4435

Keywords:

Gene editing, CRISPR-CAS9, TALENS, Zinc Finger Nucleases

Abstract

Gene editing is the alteration of the genetic material of a living organism by inserting, replacing, or deleting a DNA sequence, typically to improve some characteristic of crop or farm animals or correct a genetic disorder. CRISPR, a biological system for altering DNA was discovered in 2012 by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuella Charpentier. This groundbreaking discovery of CRISPR-CAS9 in 2012 earned these two researchers the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.CRISPR-CAS9 is preferred to other gene editing tools like Zinc finger nucleases, and TALENS because it has precise and site–specific gene editing capabilities. It is also relatively cheap and easy to use\. CRISPR/CAS9 is so efficient in cutting and adding genes that many researchers across the globe have adopted it. A program organized by the faculty of Law University of Ibadan and the WELLCOME TRUST UK ‘’An International Workshop on Genome Editing’’ on the 17th and 18th of April,2023 further crystalised the serious legal implication of gene editing. The announcement of gene-edited babies by a Chinese Scientist, He Jiankui sparked widespread controversy and condemnation from the global scientifi community and bioethicists. Many raised concerns about the ethical implications of such an experiment, as well as the potential unknown risks and long-term consequences for the children involved. Bioethicists, Lawyers, Doctors, Geneticists, Animal Scientists, Botanists, Crop Scientists, Veterinarians, policymakers and many other stakeholders have to bring their little bits to the table to ensure that humanity maximally harnesses the great benefits accruable from Gene editing.

Author Biographies

A. Essien, University of Cross River State, Obubra Campus, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science

A. S. Adenaike, College of Animal Breeding and Livestock Production, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics

F. O. Ajayi, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science

J. C. Okonkwo, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science

C. B. Mark, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Department of Animal Science

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Published

2024-09-10

How to Cite

Essien, A. ., Adenaike, A. S., Ajayi, F. O., Okonkwo, J. C. ., & Mark, C. B. (2024). GENE EDITING: OPERATING WITHIN THE PRECINCTS OF THE LAW AND ETHICS. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production, 178–181. https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4435

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