The Solution to Penicillin Allergies by Aidan Smith
The problem
The problem
Penicillin is a widely used antibiotic that can be used to treat things like scarlett fever or strep throat. Ironically, it is also one of the most common drug allergies, with 10% of the US population being allergic. This means patients must be administered a different and possibly more expensive antibiotic for something as simple as a sinus infection.
The breakthrough
Originally, this problem was essentially “Unexplainable”. That is, until october 26 during a virtual presentation given by Kristi Krebs. She is credited with the discovery of exactly what gene causes this allergic reaction. HLA-B is and immune system gene that helps the body distinguish between our own cells and harmful viruses and bacteria. Since the discovery of this gene, it has not only been linked to penicillin allergies, but also allergies to several other medications such as those used to treat HIV/AIDS and gout.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/penicillin-allergies-immune-system-genetics
Questions
Hypothetically, could crispr be used to “fix” the problems this gene causes?
How does one go about discovering that this gene is the problem causes?
Are there specific groups of people that are more prone to this allergy than others?
The breakthrough
Originally, this problem was essentially “Unexplainable”. That is, until october 26 during a virtual presentation given by Kristi Krebs. She is credited with the discovery of exactly what gene causes this allergic reaction. HLA-B is and immune system gene that helps the body distinguish between our own cells and harmful viruses and bacteria. Since the discovery of this gene, it has not only been linked to penicillin allergies, but also allergies to several other medications such as those used to treat HIV/AIDS and gout.
https://www.sciencenews.org/article/penicillin-allergies-immune-system-genetics
Questions
Hypothetically, could crispr be used to “fix” the problems this gene causes?
How does one go about discovering that this gene is the problem causes?
Are there specific groups of people that are more prone to this allergy than others?
Maybe Crispr could be used but at the same time we need to look further into what that gene also does with other bodily functions. To discover this gene most likely it was found using DNA and triggering it using the penicillin to highlight that gene, and maybe those who have inherited it may have these issues.
ReplyDelete-Tyler A.
People more prone to this allergy have the HLA-B gene, people of European descent are more likely to have this gene, and, therefore, be allergic to penicillin. The discovery of a gene that causes a problem likely is a result of comparing the genes of people suffering from allergies to find commonalities. CRISPR likely could fix this, however, it is not legal to edit human DNA. Using CRISPR would bring up several ethical issues, therefore, it would not be worth the trouble trying to edit the HLA-B gene.
ReplyDeleteCarissa Bersche
they probably had to do a lot of test and analyzing how/where there is reaction when the product is applied.
ReplyDelete-Angeline Upchurch
CRISPR could definitely be used, I just wonder what effects (if any at all) will editing that particular gene have on the person overall. To discover that this was a genetic problem there was most likely an enormous amount of testing, studying of the genome/genes, etc.
ReplyDeleteTrinity Mathis
CRISPR could be used, because editing of human DNA or germlines is NOT illegal in the US, however if you want to do genome editing you would have to come up with your own funds/money for your research. The FDA and the NIH do not fund research into manipulating human genome editing. So it probably wouldn't be worth it.
ReplyDelete-Ilori Tankpinou
i do think crispr COULD solve the problem of this gene, but it could also have unintended consequences. One treatment i have heard of is Phage treatment, I believe its only in Poland but instead of antibiotics they use bacteriophages, these basically act as heat sinking missiles for anything that you are trying to kill, while antibiotics kill things generally so they do a bit of harm to what you need in your body as well. its extremely efficient and as bacteria grow resistant to antibiotics, they become less resistant to phages, so phage treatment would be a good idea. - Nathan Clark
ReplyDeleteI think CRISPR can be used to edit this gene so that it doesn't cause a penicillin allergy but I also think that there are other available medications and drug therapies for these sicknesses and a tactic as drastic as gene editing is unnecessary. -Shirin Saha
ReplyDelete