Stereotypes Of Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is being currently developed in labs across the world, with the goal of eventually being able to alter a person’s genetic make up effectively and consistently. If the subject has a missing or defective gene, scientists are able to inactivate the mutated gene and transplant a normal healthy one. Should the mutated gene be responsible for the lack of production to a particular protein, gene therapy may be able to restore normal function of the polypeptide and essential save the cell and perhaps the entire organism. In order to affect the human genome, scientists intravenously inject a carrier virus to “infect” the cell with the genetically engineered gene. There are two subtypes of gene therapy. Somatic gene therapy, where sections
of DNA are altered in any of the body’s cells that are that do not produce sperm or eggs. This treatment will only alter the single individual where as Germline gene therapy, the manipulations of gamete cells, will be passed on to the patients children.
Despite the fact that the technique was developed in 1972, researchers thus far have had limited success. This procedure may be a promising treatment option against genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. The replacement and correct of genes is not the only application for gene therapy. In order to treat infectious diseases, cancer and HIV, researchers are attempting to deactivate specific genes entirely. “Suicide” genes are also being developed in the hopes that they will be inserted into diseased cells to release toxins.
Gene therapy is currently only available in a research setting and has not yet gained FDA approval. Clinic trails are being held but only for diseases that have no known cure. Several studies have shown that gene therapy can pose serious health risks. Inflammation, toxicity and cancer development are just some of the recurring symptoms. Scientist also face the challenges of accurately delivering the foreign gene so to not disturb the healthy cells, and how to not interfere with the delicate process of cell division. Like any new medical discovery, gene therapy comes with unpredictable risks and rewards.
of DNA are altered in any of the body’s cells that are that do not produce sperm or eggs. This treatment will only alter the single individual where as Germline gene therapy, the manipulations of gamete cells, will be passed on to the patients children.
Despite the fact that the technique was developed in 1972, researchers thus far have had limited success. This procedure may be a promising treatment option against genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis. The replacement and correct of genes is not the only application for gene therapy. In order to treat infectious diseases, cancer and HIV, researchers are attempting to deactivate specific genes entirely. “Suicide” genes are also being developed in the hopes that they will be inserted into diseased cells to release toxins.
Gene therapy is currently only available in a research setting and has not yet gained FDA approval. Clinic trails are being held but only for diseases that have no known cure. Several studies have shown that gene therapy can pose serious health risks. Inflammation, toxicity and cancer development are just some of the recurring symptoms. Scientist also face the challenges of accurately delivering the foreign gene so to not disturb the healthy cells, and how to not interfere with the delicate process of cell division. Like any new medical discovery, gene therapy comes with unpredictable risks and rewards.