Ever dreamt of meeting a unicorn? Well, buckle up because the future of gene editing is here and wilder than Jurassic Park! In fact, while in the midst of writing this blog, Colossal announced that they have brought the dire wolf back from the dead—talk about a modern-day miracle, right? With the magic of DNA splicing, we’re on the brink of reshaping life as we know it. So, let’s dive into the amazing world of genetic wizardry and see what incredible creatures we could bring to life!

Gene Editing Versus Genetic Engineering/Genome Editing

Before we go too deep, let’s get some vocabulary out of the way and discuss the difference between gene editing and genome engineering. While DNA is usually referred to as our blueprints, a gene is the instruction manual you use to read the DNA, and a genome is the complete series of instructions. Another simple way to think about it is DNA is the words on a page, a gene is the book that page is in, and the genome is the collection of books that make up the entire series (you).

Gene editing and genome engineering are both transformative techniques in biotechnology. The primary difference is the scope at which they both happen, particularly in the context of CRISPR therapeutics versus traditional genetic methods. While gene editing involves a single gene–a targeted trait like blue eyes–genome engineering is a much broader terms that includes genetic modifications that may not always happen in a lab such as plant hybridization. For the most part, however, these terms can be used interchangeably.

A Brief History of Gene Editing

Genetic engineering actually has its roots in agriculture and animal husbandry. The minute humans began domesticating dogs and growing crops, they began unwittingly manipulating the genetic makeup of the world. This genetic tampering gave way to cross-species hybrids such as the mule (half horse, half donkey) that is stronger and more hearty than either of its parents’ species. However, hybridization was not formally discovered until the 1850s under Charles Darwin. It would be another 10 years till DNA would be discovered in 1869 and almost a hundred years until the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure in the 1953. From there, the race to map and understand the human genome began. Genetic discoveries over the next 50 years accelerated and included the following:

1958: First DNA created in a test tube
1971: First genes are spliced together
1982: First genetically engineered drug, synthetic insulin
1993: Discovery of CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) principle
1994: First instance of plant genome editing in a consumer product, the “FLAVR SAVR” tomato
1996: First cloned animal, Dolly the sheep
1999: First fully mapped human chromosome
2003: Human genome fully mapped, paving the way for advancements in gene editing to treat disease.
2010: First synthetic life form (not born or copied)

The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 in the 2012 marked a significant breakthrough in gene editing, allowing scientists to make specific alterations to the DNA of organisms with unprecedented efficiency and accuracy. With CRISPR, researchers can now edit genes to prevent diseases, improve crop resilience, and even study genetic disorders.

Human Genome Editing

Today, gene editing is regularly employed in various fields, including agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology, illustrating its transformative potential in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Most notably in recent years, gene therapies for devastating health issues linked to defective genes like sickle cell anemia (approved in 2023) are paving the way for healthier lives.

However, it also presents some ethical questions such as in the case of germline human genome editing in which scientists edit an embryos’s DNA instead of a fully formed consenting adult. For example, in 2018, a scientist used germline editing on a set of twins to make them immune to HIV but likely reduced their life expectancy as a result. As our understanding of genetics continues to grow, the future of gene editing promises even greater advancements but also even more important ethical considerations.

How Has Science Influenced Our Understanding of Myths?

Science has significantly influenced our understanding of myths, acting as a spotlight that challenges and reshapes our perceptions of reality. For instance, many creatures once thought to be mythical, like the unicorn or the dragon, have been debunked by scientific inquiry. However, science has also uncovered instances where elements of these myths hold a kernel of truth. Fossils and genetic evidence have clarified that these beings were likely exaggerated from real animals rather than entirely fabricated. For example, the unicorn likely stems from poorly drawn rhinos.

Through advanced techniques, such as the ability to use CRISPR, researchers are exploring genetic variations that could explain the existence of legendary creatures. The use of gene editing has revealed that some attributes attributed to mythical beings might have real biological counterparts, blending the lines between myth and reality. This dual impact of science not only demystifies but also enriches our understanding of the stories that have captivated humanity for centuries.

Mythical DNA: How Close Are We to Creating a Unicorn?

The idea of creating mythical creatures like unicorns may not be as far-fetched as it once seemed. Advances in gene-editing technology, particularly the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system, have revolutionized our ability to manipulate gene expression. With this genome editing tool, we can splice DNA from disparate species, opening up possibilities for creating hybrid organisms.

For instance, we have already successfully created cows without horns through targeted gene editing, so why not create a horse with a single horn? Could we alter a horse embryo using germline genome editing to add horn genes from narwhals or rhinoceros? While rhino horns grow from bone, narwhals have a spiral tusk—a really long tooth—which would be better for genetic experimentation?

Recent studies on horn genes have shown that various species, such as horses and narwhals, share closely related genetic structures. Researchers are investigating the potential of bovine polled variants (cows with horns), which don’t currently produce horns, to understand how a horn bud might develop in different organisms.

The pursuit of these mythical attributes may bring us closer to realizing the impossible, but there remain many unknowns ahead. Sure, we can isolate and copy/paste a gene from one organism into another, but we do not fully understand the ramifications of such epigenetic editing, and understanding the effects of these genes is crucial.

What Are the Current Limitations of Genetic Engineering?

The field of genetic engineering has made remarkable strides, yet it still faces significant limitations, particularly in the realm of human genome editing. One major challenge lies in the precision of gene editing technologies. While CRISPR has revolutionized the field, the potential for off-target effects raises concerns about unintended gene mutations. Additionally, the complexity of epigenome editing complicates our ability to predict the long-term impacts of altering gene function in both germline cells (reproductive cells like embryos) and somatic genes (non-reproductive cells like skin cells).

It is not as simple as turning on a specific gene. The animal hybrids that we have successfully created without the help of modern gene editing technology such as the liger (lion/tiger hybrid) usually start very similar genetically, and even then, many suffer from sterility or reduced life expectancies. Even Colossal’s wooly mice have DNA changes that built upon traits that already existed with the mice: their coats and metabolisms. Choosing to add a new characteristic to a species that has evolved without that characteristic means we need to open a Pandora’s box of potential ramifications.

What Ethical Concerns Come Into Play?

Another limitation is the ethical implications surrounding the use gene editing. In humans, particularly in germline cell modifications that can be inherited by future generations, the applications of genome editing technologies must therefore be approached with caution.

However, the implications of such endeavors extend beyond mere scientific curiosity. The ethical considerations surrounding genetic manipulation are vast and complex. The potential to create life raises profound questions about the definition of nature, the rights of genetically altered beings, and the responsibilities of humanity. Will we treat these new creations with the respect and care they deserve, or will they be viewed merely as novelties for entertainment? For example, it would be cruel to create a centaur with human-level intelligence and then doom it to a life of crippling physical pain. Science fiction has also given us a glimpse of what could happen if we ignore the ethical issues of social isolation such as the loneliness that Frankenstein’s monster feels.

What Environmental Concerns Exist?

While the allure of creating unicorns can captivate the imagination, we must also reflect on the implications it would hold for our understanding of wildlife and conservation. The environmental impact of introducing genetically modified organisms into ecosystems can be unpredictable. Even if we did not introduce mythical creatures into the wild, accidents happen; pets escape. Nature has its own delicate balance, and the introduction of new species—especially ones that do not exist in the wild—could have unforeseen consequences.

The Future of Gene Editing: Will We See Mythical Creatures in Our Lifetime?

It’s wild to think, but yes, unbelievable beings like unicorns or gryphons with majestic wings could soon shift from creatures of fantasy to reality, but don’t expect it to happen tomorrow. Scientists are already thinking up new applications of CRISPR-Cas9 that will enhance certain traits in livestock and pets, aiming for healthier and more resilient animals. If such advancements continue, who’s to say that the iconic image of a unicorn could not be brought to life in some form?

Similarly, the concept of gryphons—a fusion of an eagle and a lion—raises intriguing questions about hybridization and the limits of genetic engineering. While creating a creature with the physical traits of both species presents formidable challenges, it is not entirely implausible to think that through selective breeding and advanced genetic techniques, we could generate animals with unique combinations of characteristics that echo those of mythical beings.

However, just because we are at the precipice of being able to create a unicorn doesn’t mean we will any time soon. Creating a unicorn has the potential to capture society’s attention and catapult more people into the field of genetics, but at what cost? Does a novel creature trump the study of, say, human gene editing? Unlikely. Instead, I expect researchers to continue focusing on gene targeting, cell therapies, gene replacement, or stem cell treatments that focus on bettering human lives as well as continuing to deepen our understanding of the relationships between genes. Once we have a better understanding of the consequences of gene manipulation, expect to see new gene editing technologies targeting designer pets to rise up (the pet industry as a whole is expected to reach $300 billion by 2030, there is definitely a future market for pet unicorns).

Conclusion: Should We Pursue the Creation of Unicorns?

The idea of creating unicorns raises significant questions about ethics, biology, and the very nature of existence. While the future may hold the potential for glimpses of unicorns and gryphons, the journey toward that reality will be fraught with challenges that demand our attention and care. While unicorns may not be the most practical creature to bring to life, especially compared to animals on the brink of extinction, it poses a novel opportunity to expand our knowledge of genome editing techniques. Plus, selfishly, I just want to meet a unicorn. In the meantime, we will continue working on our latest escape room and leave you with two quotes:

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic” ― Arthur C. Clarke, Profiles of the Future: An Inquiry into the Limits of the Possible

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.”
― Dr. Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park