#244 ‒ The history of the cell, cell therapy, gene therapy, and more | Siddhartha Mukherjee | The Peter Attia Drive

Intro

In this episode of “The Peter Attia Drive,” Peter Attia interviews Siddhartha Mukherjee, a cancer researcher, physician, and author of four books, including “The Song of the Cell.” The discussion delves into the history of the cell, cell therapy, gene therapy, and more, exploring how we understand and manipulate living things. Siddhartha shares insights from his writing process and personal experiences, including his decision to open up about his own depression.

Main Takeaways

Exploring the Life Series Trilogy

• Siddhartha Mukherjee’s book, “The Song of the Cell,” is part of a trilogy called the Life Series.
• The trilogy explores the history of the cell, from single-cell organisms to multicellular organisms, and delves into cell therapy, gene therapy, and CRISPR.
• Each book in the trilogy can be read chronologically or in the order they were published, offering different perspectives and stories.

The Fascinating History of Genetics and Cellular Physiology

• The third book in the trilogy discusses the history of genetics and cellular physiology, highlighting audacious statements made in the mid to late 19th century.
• While there was a long period of silence in genetics after Mendel, cell biology experienced enormous leaps.
• The ingenuity required to build tools for visualizing cells was remarkable, leading to significant discoveries and advancements in understanding cellular physiology.

Medicine’s Evolution and the Importance of Understanding Cells

• The scientific revolution and germ theory marked the transition from Medicine 1.0 to 2.0, leading to modern medicine and reduced mortality rates.
• A deep understanding of the cell was necessary for medical progress and the development of life-saving antibiotics.
• Listening to patients and their insights has played a crucial role in important medical discoveries throughout history.

The Evolution of Multicellularity and the Story of Yeast

• The transition from single-cell organisms to multicellular organisms was driven by factors such as predation and access to resources.
• Experiments with yeast demonstrated the evolutionary transition from single- to multicellularity, showcasing the acquisition of specialized functions and purposeful cellular death.
• Various organisms have shown even more specialization and diversity in the evolution of multicellularity.

Cellular Therapy, Gene Therapy, and CRISPR

• Cellular therapy encompasses different approaches, including using drugs to change cell behavior, transferring cells without modification, using cells to synthesize substances, and genetically modifying cells for therapeutic reasons.
• Gene therapy involves putting a gene inside a cell to correct a genetic disease, requiring precise targeting and timing for successful results.
• Jesse Gelsinger’s story serves as an early example of gene therapy, highlighting the challenges and advancements in the field.
• CRISPR, a revolutionary genetic tool, allows for precise changes to the genome, offering potential for therapeutic applications.

Ethical Considerations and Future Possibilities

• The ethical implications of genetic modifications, such as the case of Chinese scientists modifying embryos, raise questions about disease, desire, and the boundaries of genetic modification.
• There is potential for gene therapy to provide cures for diseases like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis, with ongoing research and advancements.
• The brain, mental health conditions, and the challenges of understanding and treating them are explored, highlighting the need for further research and destigmatization.

Summary

Exploring the Life Series Trilogy

Siddhartha Mukherjee’s “The Song of the Cell” is part of a trilogy that explores the history of the cell, cell therapy, gene therapy, and CRISPR. The books can be read chronologically or in the order they were published, offering different perspectives and stories.

The Fascinating History of Genetics and Cellular Physiology

The third book in the trilogy delves into the history of genetics and cellular physiology, highlighting audacious statements made in the 19th century. Despite a long period of silence in genetics after Mendel, cell biology experienced significant advancements due to the ingenuity of scientists and the development of tools for visualizing cells.

Medicine’s Evolution and the Importance of Understanding Cells

The transition from Medicine 1.0 to 2.0 marked a scientific revolution and the understanding of germ theory, leading to modern medicine and reduced mortality rates. A deep understanding of the cell was crucial for medical progress, and listening to patients played a vital role in important discoveries.

The Evolution of Multicellularity and the Story of Yeast

The transition from single-cell organisms to multicellular organisms was driven by factors such as predation and resource access. Experiments with yeast showcased the evolutionary transition to multicellularity, demonstrating specialized functions and purposeful cellular death. Other organisms have shown even more specialization and diversity in multicellularity.

Cellular Therapy, Gene Therapy, and CRISPR

Cellular therapy encompasses various approaches, including modifying cell behavior, transferring cells, using cells to synthesize substances, and genetically modifying cells. Gene therapy involves putting a gene inside a cell to correct genetic diseases. Jesse Gelsinger’s story highlights the challenges and advancements in gene therapy. CRISPR offers precise changes to the genome, revolutionizing genetic research and potential therapeutic applications.

Ethical Considerations and Future Possibilities

The ethical implications of genetic modifications, such as embryo editing, raise questions about the boundaries of disease and desire. Gene therapy shows promise for curing diseases like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. The brain and mental health conditions present challenges in understanding and treatment, necessitating further research and destigmatization.

Conclusion

Siddhartha Mukherjee’s exploration of the cell, cellular therapy, gene therapy, and CRISPR in his book “The Song of the Cell” offers fascinating insights into the history and future of manipulating living things. Understanding the cell and its role in medicine’s evolution is crucial for advancements in healthcare. Ethical considerations surrounding genetic modifications and the complexities of mental health conditions require ongoing research and discussions.