The summary of ‘How CRISPR gene editing will cure hair loss in the near future’

The video explores the potential of gene editing, specifically using CRISPR technology, to offer permanent cures for genetic diseases like androgenic alopecia. It discusses the precision and effectiveness of targeting specific genes, such as the 5 AR type 2 isoenzyme, to potentially provide a long-lasting solution for hair loss. Research on rodents and in vitro studies demonstrate successful delivery of CRISPR into cells, resulting in significant hair regrowth. The video highlights ethical and political challenges surrounding gene editing for hair loss treatment and envisions a future where gene editing could revolutionize the management of androgenic alopecia, drawing parallels to societal themes seen in fiction.

00:00:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker starts by mentioning they are feeling unwell and discusses upcoming hair loss treatments but points out they are not full cures for androgenic alopecia due to its genetic link. The discussion then shifts to gene editing, with the speaker highlighting how it can potentially offer permanent cures for genetic diseases like androgenic alopecia. The speaker introduces the concept of CRISPR gene editing and its components, emphasizing its potential in editing genes to address genetic diseases. The video ends with a brief explanation of how CRISPR works through an animation.

00:03:00

In this segment of the video, it is explained how cas9, when associated with guide RNA, can be precisely targeted to a specific location in DNA for editing. The crispr cas9 gene editing process involves the complex recognizing and binding to a short DNA segment, leading to DNA unwinding and precise cutting by cas9. The process can delete DNA fragments or insert new DNA segments using a template through homology-directed repair. The video also mentions successful application of crispr for treating genetic diseases like transthyretin amyloidosis. It concludes by confirming that gene editing techniques, including crispr, can potentially be used to treat hair loss, like androgenic alopecia, by targeting specific genes carefully.

00:06:00

In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the importance of precision in targeting genes when dealing with hair loss treatments to avoid systemic side effects. The focus is on gene editing as a strategy to fight hair loss, particularly targeting the 5 AR type 2 isoenzyme responsible for creating the hormone DHD that leads to hair loss. The speaker highlights how CRISPR technology can specifically target and potentially permanently inactivate the type 2 5 AR isoenzyme in hair follicles, offering a potential permanent cure for androgenic alopecia. This approach is not just theoretical, as research is being conducted in rodents by Dr. Roo and his team in Korea to develop a CRISPR-based delivery system for hair loss therapy. The study explores using ultrasound-activated particles to deliver the CRISPR-Cas9 complex into the hair follicles effectively.

00:09:00

In this segment of the video, a technique using nanoliposomes containing CRISPR genes attached to micro bubbles to edit genes for treating androgenic alopecia is described. These complexes are too large to penetrate tissues, so ultrasound is used to induce pores in cell membranes, allowing the gene editing apparatus to enter. This focused ultrasound only affects the scalp’s skin, ensuring no systemic effects. The approach aims to permanently edit dermal papilla cells, potentially providing a long-lasting solution for hair loss. The study demonstrated successful delivery of CRISPR into cells, suppression of the srd5ar2 gene, and inhibition of DHT production, which is crucial in preventing hair loss.

00:12:00

In this segment of the video, researchers conducted in vitro studies using nanoparticles and CRISPR technology on shaved mice with inhibited hair growth due to testosterone application. They found that the nanoparticles successfully targeted the srd5a2 gene and led to significant hair regrowth in the mice, particularly the group that received the active CRISPR inside the nanoliposome microbubble complex activated by ultrasound. The treatment resulted in a 90% hair regrowth with hairs in the anagen growth phase. The nanoparticles reduced the srd5a2 enzyme by 70% in the treated mice’s dermal papilla cells. Moreover, the researchers confirmed the specific effect on srd5a2 gene expression without impacting other organs like the mouse testicles. While long-term studies were not conducted, the edited genes could potentially be passed on to future generations of dermal papilla cells, suggesting a promising gene-editing approach for hair loss treatment.

00:15:00

In this segment of the video, it is discussed how a potential hair loss treatment could lead to a permanent cure for androgenic alopecia by targeting 5A activity in the scalp. The treatment is suggested to be more effective and safer than current options like finasteride or dutasteride, with a focus on reducing the type 2 5A enzyme. The treatment is said to have localized effects, minimizing side effects. Human studies are proposed as the next step, but potential ethical and political challenges are mentioned due to gene editing concerns. The speaker highlights the rapid advancement of science in this area, indicating potential viable gene editing treatments for androgenic alopecia in a few years unless political barriers arise. The discussion also touches on societal reactions to genetic modifications, drawing parallels to the themes in the video game Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, reflecting on discrimination and segregation in a hypothetical future setting.

00:18:00

In this segment of the video, the speaker discusses the potential societal divide between those who choose gene editing and those who do not, similar to the current contrasting views on augmentation. There may be criticism towards gene therapy, labeling it as interfering with human nature or leading to control by extraterrestrial beings. The video hints at potential backlash from contrarians and conspiracy theorists against gene editing, but emphasizes the importance of progress in science, quoting a line from Adam Jensen.