GENE THERAPY
Gene therapy uses the technology of genetic engineering to cure or treat a disease caused by a gene that has changed in some way. One method they are trying is inserting healthy genes to replace the sick genes. Viruses are often used to carry the healthy genes into the targeted cells because many viruses can insert their own DNA into targeted cells.This science is still in its early stages. However, there has been some success. Gene therapy also studied by scientists to use to treat cancer. One of the methods is to try to enhance a healthy cell's ability to fight cancer. Another is to target the cancer cells themselves to destroy them or prevent their growth.
However, Scientists haven't yet identified every gene in the human body or what each one does. A map of the entire human genome (all of the genetic material on a living thing's chromosomes) was recently completed by the Human Genome Project and related projects but it will take many more years to find out what each gene does and how they interact with one another. Scientists don't know if and how genes play a role for most diseases. Besides, there are major difficulties inserting the normal genes into the proper cells without causing problems for the rest of the body.
Ethically troubling reasons, such as changing genes to make smarter or more athletic children are also concern because no one knows what are the long-term effects of that kind of change would be.
Still, gene therapy holds the hope for many people who have generic disease that they or their children will be able to live better, healthier lives.
Gene therapy uses the technology of genetic engineering to cure or treat a disease caused by a gene that has changed in some way. One method they are trying is inserting healthy genes to replace the sick genes. Viruses are often used to carry the healthy genes into the targeted cells because many viruses can insert their own DNA into targeted cells.This science is still in its early stages. However, there has been some success. Gene therapy also studied by scientists to use to treat cancer. One of the methods is to try to enhance a healthy cell's ability to fight cancer. Another is to target the cancer cells themselves to destroy them or prevent their growth.
However, Scientists haven't yet identified every gene in the human body or what each one does. A map of the entire human genome (all of the genetic material on a living thing's chromosomes) was recently completed by the Human Genome Project and related projects but it will take many more years to find out what each gene does and how they interact with one another. Scientists don't know if and how genes play a role for most diseases. Besides, there are major difficulties inserting the normal genes into the proper cells without causing problems for the rest of the body.
Ethically troubling reasons, such as changing genes to make smarter or more athletic children are also concern because no one knows what are the long-term effects of that kind of change would be.
Still, gene therapy holds the hope for many people who have generic disease that they or their children will be able to live better, healthier lives.
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