Sakina Rizvi
Class of 2026Redmond, Washington
About
Hi! My name is Sakina and my Polygence Project regards the disadvantages of CRISPR, the new genome editing technology that is proving to be increasingly successful yet has flaws leading to unpredictable side effects. After my project is complete, I would like to hibernate for at least a week (just kidding), I mean, learn more about genetics and the biotechnology field.Projects
- "How can the foundational elements of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, such as different PAM sequences and DNA repair pathways, be adjusted to improve the efficiency and specificity of gene editing while substantially reducing off-target effects?" with mentor Gokul (Working project)
Project Portfolio
How can the foundational elements of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, such as different PAM sequences and DNA repair pathways, be adjusted to improve the efficiency and specificity of gene editing while substantially reducing off-target effects?
Started Mar. 1, 2023
Abstract or project description
This interactive 3D model and accompanying document explores CRISPR-Cas9, a revolutionary genome editing technology, and factors affecting its efficiency and specificity to refine and reduce the risk of unintended genetic modification. Current limitations of Cas9 include off-target effects and limited editing efficiency due to confounding variables, as well as safety and ethical concerns. By using different Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) sequences for the guide RNA to cut, other than 5’-NGG-3’, we can explore how scientists can control how likely a Cas protein is to accidentally edit an unintended site. Another aspect of specificity being tackled in this project is how the DNA repair proteins in a cell affect the outcome of the genome and delving into those intricacies to fully optimize repair pathways. In a world where we overcame those limitations, society would see major improvements in utilization of CRISPR-Cas9, such as targeted gene therapies, genetically enhanced crops, medicines aiming to deactivate a gene sequence causing a disease, and more.