05 - Jennifer Doudna, PhD - Giants of Gene Therapy
Mar 21, 2023
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Jennifer Doudna, a renowned scientist and co-inventor of CRISPR-Cas9, shares her inspiring journey from rural Hawaii to winning the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. She discusses the groundbreaking evolution of CRISPR technology and its revolutionary potential in health and agriculture. Doudna emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in gene editing and advocates for accessibility in scientific advancements. Additionally, she highlights the need for mentorship and diversity in STEM, all while balancing her professional pursuits with personal passions like hiking.
Dr. Jennifer Doudna's journey from rural Hawaii to co-inventing CRISPR-Cas9 showcases the impact of early encouragement and interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific innovation.
The podcast highlights the urgent need for ethical discussions surrounding gene editing technologies, particularly germline editing and ensuring accessibility for diverse populations.
Deep dives
Dr. Jennifer Doudna's Background and Early Influences
Dr. Jennifer Doudna shares her unique upbringing in rural Hilo, Hawaii, where her connection to the natural world sparked her interest in science. Despite having no immediate family members in scientific fields, encouragement from her father and supportive high school teachers fostered her curiosity. Her decision to pursue a liberal arts education at Pomona College was influenced by family friends and the strong emphasis on science in their programs. Doudna's early exposure to biological concepts solidified her passion for understanding DNA and its role in evolution.
The Development of CRISPR Technology
Dr. Doudna discusses her journey into the groundbreaking work of CRISPR-Cas9, highlighting her first exposure to the system through colleague Jill Banfield around 2006. Although initial discussions focused on understanding the biological functions of CRISPR, it quickly became apparent that the enzymatic capabilities of the system could have powerful applications in gene editing. Collaborating with Emmanuelle Charpentier, they explored the molecular structure and biochemical activity of Cas9, leading to significant discoveries regarding its editing potential. Their work exemplified the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific understanding and technological innovation.
Ethical Considerations and Future of Gene Editing
Dr. Doudna emphasizes the critical need to address the ethical implications of gene editing as the technology continues to advance, citing her role in organizing international summits on the matter. She notes that while somatic cell editing is the main focus currently, there is potential for germline editing, which raises significant ethical concerns. Ensuring that CRISPR technology is accessible and affordable to diverse populations is essential, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The discussion revolves around responsible implementation and the necessity of global engagement to navigate the evolving landscape of genetic technology.
Jennifer Doudna, PhD, shares her personal journey to co-inventing CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing and the promise of her discovery, during a one-on-one conversation with ASGCT President Hans-Peter Kiem, MD, PhD. Welcome to the fifth episode of Giants of Gene Therapy!
Dr. Doudna has been at UC Berkeley since 2002. She is a professor in the departments of Molecular and Cell Biology and Chemistry, the Li Ka Shing Chancellor’s Professor of Biomedical Science. She’s also the president and co-founder of the Innovative Genomics Institute. In 2020, Dr. Doudna earned the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for co-inventing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology with Emmanuelle Charpentier, PhD.
Outside of her continued work on CRISPR technologies in the lab, Dr. Doudna is a leader in public discussion of the ethical implications of genome editing for human biology and societies.