Extremophiles are Revolutionizing Biotechnology

Breakthroughs in CRISPR genome editing technology have completely transformed how scientists both engineer and study extremophiles. These advancements allow researchers to identify the genes associated with extremotolerance and to potentially edit strains for industrial use. Furthermore, the application of CRISPR technology to different extremophile types may allow for the future development of various extremophilic cells for synthetic biology applications.


Image 1: A tardigrade in moss from Science Photo Library

Extremophiles are microorganisms that can survive in harsh environments that were previously thought to be uninhabitable. By living in high heat, intense cold, dryness, high salinity, alkaline, pressurized, heavy metal, and radiation environments, these organisms have developed unique genetic and metabolic adaptations that enable their survival. The resilience of extremophiles makes them highly valuable in biotechnology, including the production of thermostable DNA polymerase, as well as in industrial processes such as biofuel production, and environmental applications like bioremediation. With advances in CRISPR-Cas, a genome editing technology that utilizes Cas enzymes to delete, add, or replace genetic material in living cells, it is possible to enhance or manipulate extremophilic genomes, allowing scientists to uncover the genes responsible for extremotolerance.

By using CRISPR in thermophiles, a heat-tolerant extremophile, scientists have developed a thermostable Cas variant. This can be used to revolutionize high-temperature industrial biotechnology and to innovate bioremediation in geothermal environments. Another example of CRISPR use includes its application to psychrophiles, a cold-tolerant extremophile, to expand the use of psychrophiles for cold-chain bioprocessing, enzyme production, or bioremediation in polar or deep-sea ecosystems.

Given the vast array of extremophiles, the future potential for genome editing technologies in extremophiles is very promising. As CRISPR technology advances, research into the genetic basis of extremotolerance can be conducted with more precision. Furthermore, the engineering of strains with enhanced production of industrial enzymes, biofuels, bioplastics, or even metal recovery efficiency under extreme conditions can be developed. Developments can also improve the effectiveness of bioremediation in harsh environments. The continued investment in developing these frameworks is crucial to the future potential of new applications and biotechnologies.



Source:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S305064172500029


Additional:

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1754802/full

CRISPR Babies

In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui had used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit human embryos and the first genetically altered babies were produced. With the gene editing tool, Jiankui had altered the DNA of a single-celled embryo to be resistant to HIV infection. Although, the resulting twin girls’ condition has not been able to be independently verified and it is unknown whether or not he was successful. Jiankui was condemned in the scientific community for his reckless experimentation on human embryos and subsequently imprisoned for three years by the Chinese government for violating medical regulations and ethical codes. 

The revelation sparked controversy over both the ethical and social implications of applying this technology in the human genome. Questions regarding the motivations and objectives of using CRISPR have emerged which are still under debate today. Eight years later, the subject has been broached again by private companies and investors with plans to revitalize, with concessions that the technology would only be used for genetic disease prevention. However, there is a large pushback on altering the human genome for fear of irreversible effects and the shift towards eugenics. It is currently prohibited to edit the genes of human embryos in the U.S..

Source:

https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/08/06/nx-s1-5493448/gene-editing-human-embryos-designer-babies

Additional link:

https://www.sciencehistory.org/stories/distillations-pod/the-crispr-babies/ &

https://www.npr.org/2018/11/26/670991254/chinese-scientist-says-hes-created-first-genetically-modified-babies

Genetic link to the time you wake up

An article from Saxena Lab explains that whether someone is a “morning person” or a “night owl" is about 20-50% influenced by their genetics. A large study of nearly 700,000 people identified 351 genetic variants linked to sleep timing. These genes affect the body’s internal clock, which controls sleep, energy levels, hormones, and hunger. Differences in how people respond to light may explain why some people naturally stay up later than others. However, in modern times most people do not wake up naturally and rely on an alarm of sorts to wake them for their daily obligations (such as work or school) so people are much less likely to wake up at their "natural" time. Furthermore, another article suggests that ignoring your internal alarm aka circadian rhythm, may be unhealthy and linked to several mental and physical illnesses. All in all, while there is a genetic link for the time you wake up, many modern obligations and environmental factors are more influential on you circadian rhythm.

The Genetic Link Between Epilepsy and Severe Migraine

https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2026/04/16/epilepsy-gene-implicated-in-severe-migraine-disorder/ 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9005871/

Scientists at Northwestern Medicine have recently discovered a previously unknown genetic mutation that is linked to certain neurological disorders.  Some of these disorders include epilepsy, carrying degrees of autism, and now migraines as well.  The gene that is responsible for these neurological disorders is the SCN2A gene.  The team at Northwestern Medicine discovered that this gene is also capable of causing familial hemiplegic migraines or FHM.  FHM is a rare disease that causes temporary motor skill weakness, severe headaches, and in extreme cases strokes and seizures.  Due to this newfound link scientists will be able to detect neurological disorders earlier by observing the SCN2A gene.  This new research could provide coming generations with relief from FHM and other neurological disorders.  

CRISPR-Cas9 is being used in clinical trials

​​ CRISPR-Cas9 has been implemented in a human clinical trial for the first time to lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. In a phase 1 trial, the gene editing technology is tested on individuals with lipid disorders to reduce and maintain lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in a safe manner. Those with the disorder that does not respond to medication were tested over a 60 day period in which their LDL and triglyceride levels were reduced by 50% within two weeks and were maintained over the 60 days. With no adverse effects related to the treatment and lasting maintenance of lower lipid levels, the trial has been considered a success.

Increased LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels may lead to a heart attack or stroke over time and it is important to monitor those elevated counts. Those with lipid disorders are exposed to increased risk for cardiovascular issues. The efficiency and effectiveness of CRISPR-Cas9 in this clinical trial shows potential for further development in various avenues of human health. While CRISPR is still an emerging technology that is used experimentally, the initial results of its implementation have been promising. Although the gene editing tool is shrouded in ethical concern, its therapeutic ability provides a new window of potential applications. 

Source:

https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2025/11/08/cleveland-clinic-first-in-human-trial-of-crispr-gene-editing-therapy-shown-to-safely-lower-cholesterol-and-triglycerides

Additional Link:

https://crisprtx.com/gene-editing

Malnutrition Exacerbates Diabetes Cases in Cameroon

Early-life malnutrition can cause long-term changes in gene expression.

Figure 1: Patients in Cameroon typically fail to follow through with their diabetes treatments, as treatment options are not affordable.

    Type 5 Diabetes has recently emerged as a new form of diabetes from chronic malnutrition in fetal development or early childhood. Long-term malnutrition impairs pancreatic development and the pancreas's ability to produce insulin. This divergence is not caused by a mutation in the genome but rather by epigenetic changes, or changes in gene expression, that limit insulin production and the body's ability to regulate blood sugar.

    In Cameroon, chronic undernutrition is more common in rural and low-income areas. Doctors in Cameroon began to notice something unusual with their diabetes patients: they have no autoimmune deficiencies, no obesity, and they are often young and thin. This lead researchers to identify a divergent form of diabetes, known as Type 5.

    Properly treating diabetes in low-income countries has proven to be impossible with a month's wages covering one month of insulin for adult patients. International healthcare funding is geared toward communicable diseases, such as HIV/AIDs, tuberculosis, and malaria. This leaves individuals with non-communicable diseases with less funding and no infrastructural support to afford care.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/23/health/diabetes-africa-cameroon-type-5.html

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12224508/

Gene Editing: How it changes our Food Supply

Gene engineering has been booming as a powerful tool in the agricultural field. It helps meet the global demand for food as production needs continue to grow. Gene editing techniques such as CRISPR make precise changes to an organism’s existing DNA without adding outside genetic material. This allows scientists to develop crops that are more nutritious and sustainable. In agriculture, crops have been improved to resist drought conditions and pests while also enhancing their nutritional value through gene editing. It has also been used to develop livestock with disease resistance, heat tolerance, and traits that improve animal welfare, such as naturally hornless cattle. First, Scientist choose gene linked to a trait they want to edit such as like drought tolerance, or nutrient content. Next, they will create a guide RNA that matches the specific DNA sequence in that gene, this will bring CRISPR to the exact spot in the DNA. Next, the enzyme Cas9, cuts the DNA at that specific location. Once cut, Scientist can either disable a gene, slightly change the gene, or insert a small piece of DNA.

 However, gene engineering is regulated differently around the world. For example, the United States focuses on the final product, whereas the European Union regulates based on the process, which leads to different rules and safety precautions. Despite its benefits, gene editing may potentially impact ecosystems and raises unanswered questions about the welfare of animals modified for production.

Link: Gene Editing in Agriculture: How It Changes Our Food Supply - Biology Insights

Extra Link : CRISPR in Agriculture - Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI)

Understanding The Ethics and Rise of Designer “Babies”

 

    The Harvard Petrie-Flom Center recently discussed a new and highly controversial idea in genetics which is polygenic embryo screening. This topic revolves around new technology that allows scientists to analyze embryos created through IVF and estimate their chances of developing certain diseases or even traits like height or intelligence.

  

  The topic of Polygenic embryo screening works by examining many genes at once to predict risks for complex conditions such as diabetes, schizophrenia, or heart disease. The difference between these screenings and traditional genetic testing, is that this method looks at how multiple genes interact. While there are many health benefits to these screenings there are biomedical ethics concerns.

    The term “designer babies” has been coined as this idea is becoming more widely known. The technology could easily be misused to select embryos based on preferred traits like intelligence or athletic ability. Additionally, the technology is very expensive and not covered by insurances, which would give wealthier individuals these resources creating inequity and more financial gaps in the population.

    This article emphasizes the correlation between technology and genetics, which is the first time the two have been this intercrossed since the discovery of genetics. While polygenic embryo screening has the potential to reduce disease, it also raises complex ethical, social, and legal questions.

Tags: #Genetics #DesignerBabies #Bioethics #Technology

Sources: 

https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/2024/03/11/designer-babies-the-ethical-and-regulatory-implications-of-polygenic-embryo-screening/

https://www.thehastingscenter.org/polygenic-embryo-screening-ethical-and-legal-considerations/?utm_source=chatgpt.com