International Journal of Molecular Medical Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 8-15 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmms 14 long-term effects and ethical consequences of human genetic changes (Wang, 2018). The potential for such genetic modifications has ignited ethical debates involving fundamental values such as human dignity, autonomy, social fairness, and justice. The widespread application of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has also raised concerns among the public. The public is concerned that this technology may be abused or misused, such as through unnecessary genetic modification or selective gene editing. These concerns are linked to the feasibility, safety, grey-area applications, and potential issues of inequality associated with the technology. Public acceptance of gene editing technology may be influenced by these concerns, necessitating broad public education and engagement to foster understanding and acceptance of the technology. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 technology involves issues related to intellectual property, commercialization, and drug regulation, which also impact ethical considerations and public acceptance. Protecting the use of innovative and inclusive technologies, ensuring a balance of public interest, is an important ethical challenge. To address the ethical concerns of CRISPR-Cas9 technology and enhance public acceptance, collaborative efforts from various stakeholders are essential. The scientific community, government bodies, legal institutions, ethics committees, and the public should engage in robust discussions and collaborate to formulate relevant regulations, ethical guidelines, and policies to govern the research and application of the technology. Simultaneously, enhancing scientific communication and public education is crucial to enable the public to understand and participate in discussions surrounding gene editing technology. This ensures that the development and application of the technology align with the expectations and values of the broader public. 5 Summary and Outlook CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds vast prospects and significance in gene therapy. With its efficient, precise, and customizable features, this technology provides a revolutionary tool for gene therapy. By harnessing the "scissors" function of the CRISPR-Cas9 system, scientists can accurately edit and repair defects in the genome, offering the potential to treat or even cure numerous genetic diseases. This implies that CRISPR-Cas9 technology may bring hope to patients with conditions such as blood disorders, genetic blindness, cystic fibrosis, and more, opening up new possibilities for gene therapy. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 technology holds significant promise in the fields of cancer treatment and reproductive health. In the realm of cancer, CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be employed for the specific targeting of cancer cells to inhibit tumor growth, induce cell apoptosis, or enhance the immune system's attack on tumors. This provides a potential avenue for the development of novel cancer treatment approaches. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 technology can be applied in the field of reproductive health to repair embryos or reproductive cells carrying genetic mutations, thereby preventing the transmission of hereditary diseases. This offers possibilities for the prevention and treatment of hereditary diseases within families. However, realizing the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology requires further research and collaboration. Firstly, scientists need to continuously improve the specificity and precision of the technology to reduce non-specific cleavage and enhance editing accuracy, thereby mitigating potential safety risks. Secondly, interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial, involving scientists, government agencies, ethics committees, and the public, to collectively explore and establish relevant policies, ethical guidelines, and standards. This ensures that CRISPR-Cas9 technology aligns with ethical standards in medical practice and garners public support and acceptance. Additionally, ongoing efforts to strengthen scientific communication, public education, and ethical societal discussions are imperative. These efforts aim to increase public understanding and sustained interest in CRISPR-Cas9 technology while simultaneously establishing corresponding safety and regulatory mechanisms to ensure its safe, effective, and sustainable application. Acknowledgments Special thanks to Ms. Xuan Jia and Ms. Lingfei Jin for their guidance and review of the paper. Many of their constructive suggestions have greatly contributed to the refinement of this research.
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