a cure for cancer…
by John Hawkhead
cutting the gordian knot
in a gene sequence
Gene editing provides us with the ability to make highly specific changes in the DNA of a living organism. It has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment via manipulation of the genome to target specific genetic mutations that drive the growth and spread of tumours.
The cutting of the Gordian knot is a legend associated with Alexander the Great about a complex knot that tied an oxcart. It was claimed that whoever was able to untie it would be destined to rule all of Asia. When Alexander was challenged to untie the knot he cut through it with his sword rather than attempt to untie it. This is now used as a metaphor for solving a seemingly intractable problem through bold means or thinking differently.
Further reading:
‘What is genome editing?’, 2019, National Human Genome Research Institute, available: https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/what-is-Genome-Editing
‘How CRISPR Is Changing Cancer Research and Treatment’, 2020, National Cancer Institute, available: https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2020/crispr-cancer-research-treatment
‘The Potential Revolution of Cancer Treatment with CRISPR Technology’, 2023, Stefanoudakis, D., et al., Cancers (Basel), https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15061813
Author bio:
John Hawkhead (@HawkheadJohn) has been writing haiku and illustrating for over 25 years. His work has been published all over the world and he has won a number of haiku competitions. John’s books of haiku and senryu, ‘Small Shadows’ and ‘Bone Moon’, are now available from Alba Publishing (http://www.albapublishing.com/). Read more of John’s sciku here!