Title: Predicted multispecies unintended effects from outdoor genome edited pesticides
Abstract: CRISPR/Cas9, a potent genetic engineering tool widely adopted in agriculture. Exposure to CRISPR/Cas pesticides could unintentionally alter the genomes (genetic instructions) of an assortment of non-target organisms. The method is capable of introducing new characteristics into plants on a large scale without conventional breeding methods. Despite its remarkable efficiency, concerns have arisen regarding unintended consequences in uncontrolled environments.
The aim of this paper was to assess potential activity in organisms that could be exposed to genome editing in uncontrolled environments. We developed three scenarios, using irrigation, fumigation and fertilisation as delivery methods, based on outdoor uses in agriculture, namely pest and disease control. Using publicly available software (Cas-OFFinder, NCBI Genome Data Viewer and STRING), off-target effects were predicted in multiple species commonly found in the agro-ecosystem, including humans (16 of 38 (42 %) sampled). Metabolic enrichment analysis (gene IDs), by connecting off-target genes into a physiological network, predicted effects on the development of nervous and respiratory systems.
Our findings emphasise the importance of exercising caution when considering the use of this genome editing in uncontrolled environments. Unintended genomic alterations may occur in unintended organisms, underscoring the significance of understanding potential hazards and implementing safety measures to protect human health and the environment. Full text available here
