Full Text (PDF)
Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -II)):p 458-462, July-Dec 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.113
Review Article
Contribution of Jennifer Doudna in the Field of Pediatrics
Taru Sharma, Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Lakhe Siddheshwar A., Kaithi Pavani
Author Information
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Pediatric Education and Research 13(2 (Special Supplement -II)):p 458-462, July-Dec 2025. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.113
How Cite This Article:
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Lakhe Siddheshwar A., Kaithi Pavani, et al. Contribution of Jennifer Doudna in the Field of Pediatrics. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 458-462.Timeline
Received : December 13, 2025
Accepted : December 28, 2025
Published : December 30, 2025
Abstract
Jennifer Doudna’s scientific journey transformed modern pediatrics by pioneering CRISPR-Cas9, a genome-editing technology that has reshaped the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of genetic disorders. Beginning with her early fascination for biology and rigorous training in molecular biology and RNA research, Doudna’s collaboration with Emmanuelle Charpentier led to the discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 editing mechanism, marking a revolutionary breakthrough. Their work enabled precise, efficient, and accessible gene editing, opening therapeutic possibilities for conditions such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, Leber congenital amaurosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and several neurodegenerative disorders. CRISPR also advanced prenatal diagnostics and contributed to rapid vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite its power, the technology raised significant ethical concerns, including the controversial creation of “designer babies,” prompting global discussions on responsible use. Awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Doudna’s work symbolizes innovation, perseverance, and the transformative potential of science in shaping pediatric healthcare. Key Message: CRISPR-Cas9, co-developed by Jennifer Doudna, represents a landmark innovation that is reshaping pediatric healthcare by enabling targeted correction of disease-causing genes. As its therapeutic applications expand, responsible scientific stewardship and ethical oversight remain essential to ensuring that the technology is used to alleviate human disease while safeguarding future generations.
References
- 1. The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson, a novel.
- 2. Foundational CRISPR-Cas9 Discovery Papers - Jinek et al., 2012 – The CRISPR–Cas9 Breakthrough Paper, “A Programmable DualRNA–Guided DNA Endonuclease in Adaptive
- 3. Charpentier et al., 2011 – Discovery of tracrRNA - “tracrRNA and CRISPR/Cas system in Streptococcus pyogenes”
- 4. Deltcheva et al., 2011 – RNA Processing in CRISPR - “CRISPR RNA maturation by RNase III”
- 5. Mojica et al., 2003–2005 – Identification of CRISPR as an immune system - “Short clustered repeats… in prokaryotes”
- 6. Cong et al., 2013 – First use of CRISPR in human cells (Broad Institute) - “Multiplex Genome Engineering Using CRISPR/Cas Systems”
- 7. Barrangou et al., 2007 – Proof that CRISPR is immunity - “CRISPR Provides Acquired Resistance Against Viruses in Prokaryotes”
- 8. Gootenberget al., 2017 – SHERLOCK Diagnostic CRISPR Tool - “Nucleic acid detection using CRISPR enzymes”
- 9. He Jiankui CRISPR Baby Papers (2018)
- 10. Doudna’s early ribozyme and RNA folding papers (1990s–2000s)
Data Sharing Statement
There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.
Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.
Conflicts of Interest
No conflicts of interest in this work.
About this article
Cite this article
Kasumbiwal Ajay H., Lakhe Siddheshwar A., Kaithi Pavani, et al. Contribution of Jennifer Doudna in the Field of Pediatrics. Pediatr. Edu. Res. 2025; 13(2): 458-462.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| December 13, 2025 | December 28, 2025 | December 30, 2025 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/per.2321.1644.13225.113
Keywords
CRISPR-Cas9Gene editingJennifer DoudnaPediatricsGenetic disordersSickle cell diseaseThalassemiaGenome engineeringEthical considerationsMolecular biologySearch for Similar Articles
Similar Articles
- Contributions of Dr. James A. Hanson in the Field of Paediatrics
- Contribution of Dr. Y.M. Bhende in the Field of Pediatrics
- Contribution of Dr. Nevin S. Scrimshaw in Field of Pediatrics
- Dr. Sidney Farber: Pioneer of Pediatric Oncology and Chemotherapy
- The Contribution of Dr. Jonas Salk to the Field of Paediatrics
Article Level Metrics
Last UpdatedThursday 30 July 2026, 03:02:07 (IST)
1420
Accesses
6
175
00
Citations
NA
NA
NA
Download citation
Article Keywords
Keyword Highlighting
Highlight selected keywords in the article text.
Timeline
| Received | December 13, 2025 |
| Accepted | December 28, 2025 |
| Published | December 30, 2025 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
