Epigenetics and a new era of biological weapons

Highlights
- The research of epigenetic inheritance mechanisms opens up possibilities for creating new types of biological damaging agents and changing the targets and methods of biological warfare.
- The use of epigenetic mechanisms for in vivo gene expression manipulation requires the development of strict international regulatory protocols, biosecurity systems, and broad public discussion about the ethical boundaries of scientific intervention.
Relevance. Driven by the explosive interest of molecular biologists in studying small RNAs and the epigenetic changes they cause in the inheritance of phenotypic traits.
The purpose of the study is to identify the level and directions of research on small RNAs capable of inducing pathological processes.
The source base of the study. Articles from scientific journals accessible through the PubMed search engine.
Research method. Analytical.
Results. The current level of understanding of epigenetic gene control mechanisms allows for targeted in vivo gene expression management and impact on future generations through epigenetic modifications. Hundreds of pathological conditions caused by interference with the epigenetic regulation of phenotypic traits have been identified. Technologies have been developed for the artificial introduction of specific small RNAs (sRNAs) into germ cells that are not “products” of maternal/paternal “genetic material.” These sRNAs accumulate in germ cells (oocytes, spermatozoa) and are transmitted to offspring after fertilization, i.e., to the next generation(s). sRNAs are known for their long-term stability and resistance to RNases. They can enter the human body through food, aerosol routes, parenterally (vaccines, DNA/RNA preparations) and be transmitted to subsequent generations.
Conclusions. The development of epigenetic gene control technologies carries unprecedented risks. Uncontrolled or malicious application of these tools could lead to catastrophic consequences, including:
- A sharp increase in pathologies in subsequent generations due to off-target effects that can be inherited;
- Disruption of the genetic stability of the human population due to unpredictable long-term consequences of interference with the epigenome;
- Targeted depopulation of specific ethnic groups or whole humankind.

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