#323 - CRISPR and the future of gene editing: scientific advances, genetic therapies, disease treatment potential, and ethical considerations | Feng Zhang, Ph.D. | The Peter Attia Drive - Private Subscriber Feed (🔓 for Vijay Khakhria)

In this episode of The Drive, Peter Attia interviews Feng Zhang, a professor of neuroscience at MIT, about the origins and evolution of CRISPR technology. They discuss Zhang's early work in optogenetics, the challenges in gene editing that led to the CRISPR revolution, and the ethical considerations surrounding germline modification. The conversation covers the practical implications of CRISPR, including its potential to treat genetic diseases, the importance of delivery methods, and the current limitations in targeting specific cells. Zhang also shares his personal journey, the significance of mentorship, and his vision for the future of science and genetic medicine, emphasizing the importance of education and continued innovation in the field.

Outlines

Part 1: Background, Optogenetics

Part 2: CRISPR Discovery, Mechanisms

Part 3: Evolution of Gene Editing

Part 4: Clinical Applications, Delivery

Part 5: Ethics, Future Outlook

Part 6: Personal Journey, Education

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#323 - CRISPR and the future of gene editing: scientific advances, genetic therapies, disease treatment potential, and ethical considerations | Feng Zhang, Ph.D.

The Peter Attia Drive - Private Subscriber Feed (🔓 for Vijay Khakhria)

Part 1: Background, Optogenetics

Introduction to CRISPR and Feng Zhang's Early Work

Optogenetics, Gene Editing, and the Problem of Precise Targeting

Part 2: CRISPR Discovery, Mechanisms

The Origins of CRISPR: Discovery of Repeating Sequences in Bacterial DNA

CRISPR's Role in Bacterial Immunity and the Discovery of Cas Proteins

How CRISPR Works: Defending Against Viral Infections

Part 3: Evolution of Gene Editing

Feng's Transition to CRISPR and the Limitations of Existing Gene Editing Technologies

The Promise of CRISPR and its Advantages Over Previous Technologies

CRISPR's Mechanism of Action and its Application to Genetic Diseases

Part 4: Clinical Applications, Delivery

Delivery Challenges and the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

Current CRISPR Treatment Strategies and the Role of Fetal Hemoglobin

The Role of AI in Gene Editing and Protein Engineering

CRISPR-Cas13 and the Search for Smaller Cas Proteins

Delivery Methods, Liver and Eye Applications, and the Limits of Restoration

Part 5: Ethics, Future Outlook

Cost of Gene Therapy and Ethical Considerations

Germline Editing and the Slippery Slope Argument

Part 6: Personal Journey, Education

Feng's Personal Story: Early Influences and the Importance of Mentorship

Optimism for the Future of Science and the Importance of STEM Education

#323 - CRISPR and the future of gene editing: scientific advances, genetic therapies, disease treatment potential, and ethical considerations | Feng Zhang, Ph.D.

The Peter Attia Drive - Private Subscriber Feed (🔓 for Vijay Khakhria)

Part 1: Background, Optogenetics

00:10Introduction to CRISPR and Feng Zhang's Early Work

Introduction to CRISPR and Feng Zhang's Early Work

04:50Optogenetics, Gene Editing, and the Problem of Precise Targeting

Optogenetics, Gene Editing, and the Problem of Precise Targeting

Part 2: CRISPR Discovery, Mechanisms

10:00The Origins of CRISPR: Discovery of Repeating Sequences in Bacterial DNA

The Origins of CRISPR: Discovery of Repeating Sequences in Bacterial DNA

15:12CRISPR's Role in Bacterial Immunity and the Discovery of Cas Proteins

CRISPR's Role in Bacterial Immunity and the Discovery of Cas Proteins

20:07How CRISPR Works: Defending Against Viral Infections

How CRISPR Works: Defending Against Viral Infections

Part 3: Evolution of Gene Editing

27:42Feng's Transition to CRISPR and the Limitations of Existing Gene Editing Technologies

Feng's Transition to CRISPR and the Limitations of Existing Gene Editing Technologies

35:06The Promise of CRISPR and its Advantages Over Previous Technologies

The Promise of CRISPR and its Advantages Over Previous Technologies

43:20CRISPR's Mechanism of Action and its Application to Genetic Diseases

CRISPR's Mechanism of Action and its Application to Genetic Diseases

Part 4: Clinical Applications, Delivery

51:13Delivery Challenges and the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

Delivery Challenges and the Treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia

57:37Current CRISPR Treatment Strategies and the Role of Fetal Hemoglobin

Current CRISPR Treatment Strategies and the Role of Fetal Hemoglobin

1:03:06The Role of AI in Gene Editing and Protein Engineering

The Role of AI in Gene Editing and Protein Engineering

1:10:13CRISPR-Cas13 and the Search for Smaller Cas Proteins

CRISPR-Cas13 and the Search for Smaller Cas Proteins

1:18:06Delivery Methods, Liver and Eye Applications, and the Limits of Restoration

Delivery Methods, Liver and Eye Applications, and the Limits of Restoration

Part 5: Ethics, Future Outlook

1:26:25Cost of Gene Therapy and Ethical Considerations

Cost of Gene Therapy and Ethical Considerations

1:35:06Germline Editing and the Slippery Slope Argument

Germline Editing and the Slippery Slope Argument

Part 6: Personal Journey, Education

1:44:49Feng's Personal Story: Early Influences and the Importance of Mentorship

Feng's Personal Story: Early Influences and the Importance of Mentorship

1:52:00Optimism for the Future of Science and the Importance of STEM Education

Optimism for the Future of Science and the Importance of STEM Education