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In plants, animals, and even humans, genes can be replaced to help fight disease and adapt to new environments. This is what genetic engineers do. Tell us who they are and how they work
What is a genetic engineer
A genetic engineer is a scientist who works with the genes of living organisms. Genes are sections of DNA or RNA that carry an inherited trait. So, parents can pass on gene diseases to their children, or vice versa – healthy genes.
A genetic engineer adds, deletes, and edits genes in viruses, bacteria, plants, fungi, and animals, including humans—programming genes to given parameters. For example, transfers frost resistance genes to plants that they did not have before, so that plants better adapt to difficult conditions.
Genetic engineer – one of the professions of the future.
What does a genetic engineer do
Typically, a genetic engineer works in scientific laboratories. Its main goal is to improve the biological capabilities of people, plants and animals. To do this, he studies the genetic material of individual species of animals and plants and observes their changes. Conducts experiments to identify the causes and patterns of formation of inherited characteristics of organisms.
For example, genetic engineers have made crops more resistant to climatic conditions, increased the amount of vitamins and nutrients in the product. For example, you can enrich rice with vitamin A and grow it in regions where people have a massive shortage of this element.
In addition to working in laboratories, genetic engineers write scientific papers, articles and speak at scientific conferences, talking about their research and their results.
Basic skills of a genetic engineer
The main professional skills of a genetic engineer are working with cells, viruses and DNA. Such a specialist needs to understand cytology, microbiology and genetics. Be able to work with high-tech equipment such as microscopes, laboratory incubators and cytocentrifuges. And also – to know the basics of programming, artificial intelligence and robotics.
Cross-professional skills – systemic and critical thinking, interdisciplinarity and intercultural communication, the ability to work in conditions of uncertainty and creativity.
Trends and directions of the profession
Genetic engineers usually work in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Hundreds of new diagnostic drugs are already used in medical practice, which are produced by about 60% of genetic engineering companies. The most popular areas of development are the treatment of arthrosis, cardiovascular diseases, oncology and AIDS.
“Among the achievements of genetic engineering in medicine, one can single out cancer therapy and other pharmacological innovations – stem cell research, new antibiotics that target bacteria, and the treatment of diabetes. True, while all this is at the research stage, but the results are promising, ” says Alevtina Fedina, medical director of Checkme.
With the help of gene therapy scientists have cured color blindness in monkeys, which can help people cope with the disease. They are also trying to grow organs in the body of animals, which can later be transplanted into humans.
In agriculture, genetic engineers create plant and animal species that are resistant to viruses and insect pests. it helps to reduce the use of chemicals by approximately 40%-60%. For example, transgenic potato and tomato plants have become resistant to the Colorado potato beetle.
Where did the profession come from
As a separate direction, genetic engineering was born in 1972. And after the successful cloning of a mammal – Dolly the sheep – great hopes were placed on genetic engineering. Now genetic engineers work in large pharmaceutical companies and scientific laboratories.
How to become a genetic engineer
To become a genetic engineer, you need to get a degree in biophysics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics. Genetic engineering can be considered a young science, but universities are already teaching in these areas.
For example, you can complete a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology at MIPT, “biotechnical systems and technologies” at MEPhI or “bioengineering and bioinformatics” at Moscow State University. Education can also be obtained at foreign universities. And in order to get a job, a genetic engineer will need research experience in a laboratory, a pharmaceutical company or a university.