On May 14, the “Same Science Course” theme event and cutting-edge science course for young scientists: “Demystifying Cross-Species Genetic Engineering: The Magic Wand and Wonderful Applications of Future Technology”, jointly planned and launched by the Future Forum and the China Science and Technology Museum, was held at the China Science and Technology Museum.

Du Peng, a professor at Peking University's School of Life Sciences and a life science researcher at the 2023 Asian Young Scientists Fund Program, shared the appeal of science with more than 100 outstanding young people, focused on cutting-edge fields of science, and led young people to explore the mysteries of life.

Du Peng: Demystifying cross-species genetic engineering and looking forward to new ideas for cancer treatment

At this event, Professor Du Peng gave scientific lectures to young people on topics such as “The Discovery of Penicillin,” “Gene Editing Technology,” and “Cross-Species Gene Therapy” under the title “Demystifying Cross-Species Genetic Engineering: The Magic Wand and Wonderful Applications of Future Technology”.

Professor Du Peng first shared his academic and scientific research experiences, emphasized the possibility that knowledge can change their lives, and encouraged young people to cherish existing learning opportunities and strive to broaden their horizons.

Using penicillin as an example, he explained the source of inspiration for genetic engineering techniques. He pointed out that Fleming's discovery of antibiotics in 1929, that is, penicillus produces a certain chemical substance, inhibits bacterial growth, and allows humans to basically solve bacterial infections such as influenza, tuberculosis, and gastrointestinal infections, and has made a huge leap forward in human life expectancy. He said that although penicillin itself does not fall under the category of genetic engineering, this study on small chemical molecules shows the possibility that humans can produce useful compounds by modifying organisms, and has promoted the development of genetic engineering and genetically-modified technology.

Professor Du Peng explained that scientists have developed a method for artificially efficiently editing genomic DNA based on CRISPR-Cas9, a natural defense mechanism for bacteria. In recent years, scientists have not only applied this technology to treat diseases related to human tumors, eye diseases, blood diseases, T-cell modification, etc., but also to improve animal and plant varieties.

Tumors are an important threat to human health and one of the diseases with the highest mortality rate in humans. Professor Du Peng introduced the idea of cross-species genetic engineering. Through the plant immune protein RDR1, they first developed editing and repair techniques for defective miRNAs commonly found in tumor cells, restoring the overall expression level of miRNAs, thus achieving broad-spectrum suppression of the growth of various tumor cells. This technology constructs novel molecular level immunity on the basis of animal immunity, develops new strategies and ideas for tumor treatment, and is expected to eventually develop an original broad-spectrum, low-toxicity anti-tumor drug.

Scientists Talk to Youth: Remain Curious and Use Science to Ignite Youth

At the event, young people exchanged views with Professor Du Peng on issues such as “the combination of AI and cross-species genetic engineering technology”, “the breadth of gene editing technology in disease treatment”, and “gene editing and endangered animal protection.”

Professor Du Peng said that AI can help humans organize data to a large extent and may promote the development of life sciences in the next 10 years. However, he also pointed out the uncertainties and unpredictability in life science research, and emphasized that artificial intelligence is not a panacea.

At the same time, Professor Du Peng also pointed out that the main application direction of gene editing technology is disease treatment, and it is widely used, including treatment cases of sickle cell anemia that have already been approved in the US, and is being tested to treat various conditions such as blood diseases, eye diseases, genetic diseases, and deafness.

Also, in response to the issue of gene editing and the protection of endangered animals, Professor Du Peng mentioned that gene editing is not an effective strategy to save endangered animals; animal cloning technology is. However, in actual application of cloning technology, the characteristics and limitations of animals need to be considered. Take giant pandas as an example. Due to their poor fertility, it is difficult to reproduce using cloning technology, making it difficult to improve reproductive efficiency.

During the event, young people watched documentaries of the Future Science Award winners to learn more about the life trajectories of these scientists, their outstanding scientific research achievements, and their epoch-making contributions in the field of science.

To encourage young students' enthusiasm for science and exploration, Professor Du Peng presented the “Future” Scientists: Interviews with Future Science Award Winners” series of books to inspire them to cultivate a scientific way of thinking and maintain their curiosity and desire to explore the scientific world.