Gene therapy is a type of treatment which changes a person's genes to avoid illness. It is a means to cure disease by making corrections or replacing abnormal genes with healthy, normal genes or genetic components. This treatment is only beginning to surface in the scientific community and is surrounded by optimism and controversy. Scientific trials are being conducted on the use of gene therapy to treat such diseases as Cystic Fibrosis and Muscular Dystropy.
Types of Gene Therapy
How is Gene Therapy Done?
Gene Therapy Links:
This therapy changes genes within a diseased person. The changes in these genes are not passed on to the children the treated person creates. The majority of research in gene therapy involves manipulation of somatic genes.
This therapy is similar to somatic gene therapy, but the changes are made to the germline cells. Modified germline cells, sperm and eggs, pass the changes onto the next generation. These changes alter the expression of genes in future generations. The controversial nature of the possibility of creating a "Super Race" has caused most governments to ban research in germline gene therapy.
To get the gene therapy agent to work directly on a gene, a vector is used. A vector surrounds the gene therapy agent and delivers it directly to the cell. Vectors can be made using viruses, or constructed in a lab using DNA, proteins, or lipids. The vector allows the gene therapy agent to enter the cell and make modifications.
Comprehensive overview of gene therapy including research studies, responses to media, and general information.
Education site including links to other research institutes, background information, and future prospects in gene therapy.
Overview of gene therapy containing history, techniques, ethical issues, and policy statements.
Presentation of issues surrounding the controversial topic of human germline gene therapy.
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