Scientific research is changing due to technology that allows scientists to quickly replicate genomic information, a practice several WSU labs have already implemented.

This technology — called CRISPR, short for clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats — uses a type of enzyme, Cas9, to speed up genome replication, which allows researchers to more easily modify organisms.

Eric Williams, a patent attorney for Barnes & Thornburg LLP, discussed property protection issues for this gene editing application in a presentation Tuesday.

He said that gene editing is a big advantage to scientific research due to the CRISPR system being a breeding-based technology where multiple generations can be produced quickly.

Mutations happen organically and cause an organism to best adapt to its environment, but this evolution occurs slowly. The CRISPR system speeds up the process.

Williams said gene editing is a major tool for scientific research which could potentially affect populations across the globe, especially in impoverished communities that struggle to grow enough food.

Lisette Maddison, the Gene Editing Reagent Core director for the WSU Center for Reproductive Biology, is providing a fee-based service which incorporates the gene editing technology of CRISPR Cas9 into research.

On average, the CRISPR system costs about $130. This is because the simplicity of the technology has directly increased sales, Williams said.

“This technology is something that really helps areas that face natural disasters by genetically editing crops to be productive in those types of environments,” Williams said.

Gene editing has positive impacts on agriculture by creating genetic strands that are stronger than previous generations and produce healthier crops, he added.

Williams said not only crops are being genetically edited; now there is a movement for the same process to apply to the animals people consume.

Animal gene modification is regulated by the FDA, while GMO crops are overseen by the USDA.

Williams called for an increased emphasis on the differentiation between what people typically think of as a GMOs, genetically modified organisms, versus gene editing.

The idea of gene editing and modification has been a subject of controversy in the media due to safety concerns and ethical principles.

Williams said these negative social stigmas can be combated by educating the population with data and teaching them how to understand such concepts.

He said increased research creates a wider visibility of the topic of gene editing and modification and combats the negative social stigma of altering genes for the food people consume.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated which law firm Eric Williams is a patent attorney for.