Gain of function research (GoFR) dedicates itself to increasing humans’ understanding of the function of a specific protein or gene. Scientists usually conduct this research in a controlled lab environment by artificially altering their functions to learn more about their behavior and evolution and how they cause disease. Advanced study and experimentation enable scientists to enhance medicines and control their side effects. In these lab tests, the researchers can use different species of birds, bats, mice, chickens, and ferrets to observe their response to certain viruses, ailments, and immunization. They study their genetic makeup and modify it a little to implement compelling developments. Once they succeed with mammals, the vaccines or medicines reach the human trial stage before becoming available in the market.
Another valuable contribution of this type of research is its ability to make plant species survive and last longer. Due to issues like climate change, plant species are not able to sustain themselves. They struggle to conserve water for dryer months or develop stronger roots to resist gusts. Crops and farmers are suffering hugely. However, GoFR enables scientists to optimize their capacities by modifying them. While it has some undisputable benefits and contributions, GoFR tends to raise many eyebrows from time to time because of the potential risks involved in the experimentation, as hinted at by MyBioSource.
The pandemic era has again brought GoFR into the spotlight, causing concerns, apprehensions, and doubts. At the same time, it has some supporters also. So, let’s get into this area concerning COVID-19, a hot topic for everyone.
The batty story of the virus
In the beginning, many claimed that the COVID-19 virus came from bats that passed it on to other animals and humans contracted it from those secondary hosts. While it’s not clear what the exact picture is, the experts say that bats have many viruses that humans may not even know. Those viruses can be highly virulent, but it is unknown if they are lethal. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine’s Donald J. Alcendor informs that bats contain several types of viruses, but it’s still elusive if they are the source of SARS-CoV-2.
When mammals contain thousands of viruses, one logical question facing health leaders is whether one should study them well before they affect humans. University of Wisconsin-Madison’s researcher Tony Goldberg opines it’s a huge question. According to him, some virus hunter groups try to discover all the viruses that can potentially affect humans. And their origin can be insects, birds, and mammals. He believes monitoring these viruses and changing their genetic makeup can control the effect of virulent pathogens on humans.
On the other hand, Alcindor cites the example of COVID as a lesson for everyone and believes that researchers are not paying enough attention to the zoological transmission. Do you know what zoological transmission means? It refers to the spread of diseases between animals and humans. Zoological transmission can lead to life-threatening illnesses in humans. It can happen in two ways – someone’s direct exposure to an infected animal or indirect exposure to contaminated water and food.
Some scientists warn about the gain of function research that this kind of experimentation entails risks beyond lab leaks. They believe that some people can take undue advantage of the knowledge and create synthetic pathogens. You must have heard such voices frequently during the initial days of COVID when everything was still a mystery and the world was grappling with its crumbling effects.
COVID-19 scene in the US
Although the knowledge about coronavirus’s origin is still missing, it’s essential to know what your country is going through now. In early July, Omicron variant BA.5 was wreaking havoc, causing 87% of infections, per CDC data. Currently, it has come down to 82%. However, some other variants have also emerged recently, but they are not dominant. For example, the subset of BA.5 is the new BF.7 strain. In the last weeks, this strain has caused about 2.3% of new infections growing from 0.8%. BA.4.6 variant is responsible for 12% of cases in America, which is significantly more than any other variant, excluding BA.5. The experts suggest that the infection rate due to this subvariant is increasing by nearly 1% every week.
Simultaneously, BA.2.75 variant makes up about 1.4% of cases. It has also doubled the growth of the new infection. However, everyone is concerned about BA.2.75.2, which can be stronger than the effects of the vaccines. Currently, CDC doesn’t look at this subvariant separately because the infection rate caused by this virus type is below 1% in the US. The positive side is that the country now accounts for 50,000 new cases daily, which is a drastic dip from April, informs CDC.
To sum things up, it’s a different debate whether research and health fraternities should support GoFR or not. The truth is public safety and precaution have to be clear priorities. There is also a need to put checks and balances correctly.
