Jennifer Doudna:
“I like to describe CRISPR as a genome editor. It is a way of changing the code of life, just like we edit a document. With CRISPR, we can change literally one letter in DNA or even a much larger section of the genetic code.”
This idea turned the research of two scientists — biochemist Jennifer Doudna and microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier — into one of the most important breakthroughs in modern biology. In 2020, they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their development of a method for genome editing.
But the story of CRISPR did not begin with an attempt to change human genes.
Jennifer Doudna:
“I met Emmanuelle at a conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We walked through the old cobblestone streets and talked about science. She told me about the mysterious Cas9 protein. I remember having almost a physical reaction — I got goosebumps. I felt that there was something really interesting here.”
Emmanuelle Charpentier:
“I needed someone with expertise in structural biology. I suggested the project to Jennifer.”
And so began a collaboration that would transform genetic engineering. At first, their goal was much simpler: they wanted to understand how CRISPR-Cas9 worked in bacteria. The scientists discovered that the system could be reprogrammed to find a specific section of DNA and cut it. In 2012, their research demonstrated that CRISPR-Cas9 could become a programmable tool for genome editing.
Emmanuelle Charpentier:
“CRISPR-Cas9 combines simplicity while, at the same time, being a very complex system.”
Then came the possibility of using the technology in medicine. If scientists can precisely change DNA, perhaps one day they will be able to correct mutations that cause inherited diseases.
Jennifer Doudna:
“To remove the cause of genetic diseases — that is simply incredible.”
But Doudna also emphasizes that great possibilities come with great responsibility. She believes humanity must be very careful when it comes to editing the human genome, especially when changes could be passed on to future generations.
Jennifer Doudna:
“We understood that we were working on something big. I think we just didn’t realize how big it would become.”
Today, CRISPR no longer sounds like science fiction. It is a powerful tool that helps scientists study diseases and develop new approaches to treatment. But one important question remains: if we have learned how to rewrite the code of life, how far should we go?
— Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier
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