Genes and Antiaging Medicine: Applying Genome Editing Technology to Antiaging

Genome editing refers to the technology that specifically modifies targeted sequences on the genome using artificial nucleases or nucleases that function in coordination with artificial ribonucleic acid (RNA). Genome editing can be performed relatively inexpensively and simply, has high sequence specificity, a wide range of applications, and unlike traditional genetic recombination technology, it basically does not leave sequences derived from foreign organisms in the genome. Its history is relatively short, with the first report of genome editing using zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) in 2005. In 2011, transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) was reported, and in 2012, genome editing using the now mainstream clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) was reported, and has rapidly spread since then. As can be seen from the fact that Dr. Emmanuelle Charpentier and Dr. Jennifer Doudna, who reported the latter, won the Nobel Prize in 2020, this technology has had a profound impact on the field of genetic engineering. Also, although it is highly controversial, it is said that in China, there are already humans born from embryos edited by this technology. Genome modification technology is a technology that can be applied to the treatment of progeria and age-related diseases, as will be described later, but it is important to note that the legal framework for controlling its practical use, as well as the formation of consensus for this, is not sufficiently established.