Download Forum: Environmental Commission 2016 Issue: Eliminating Disease

Forum: Environmental Commission 2016
Issue: Eliminating Disease Through Genetic Engineering of the Immune Systems
Student Officer: Dana Al Nabulsi
Position: Chair
Introduction:
Genetic engineering has been a topic of controversy ever since the idea itself came about.
However, the results of genetic engineering can be seen in all aspects of modern society, such as
genetically modified organisms, or the different vegetables that have been modified for our
benefits. Genetic engineering is used in scientific research, and to produce or modify goods not
usually produced naturally, such as intentionally copying the gene for a desired trait found in one
plant and inserting it into another plant. The use of genetic engineering to eliminate disease, gene
therapy, is a field of medicine that has been rapidly growing in recent years. The way this works
is that genes are injected into the body in order to treat diseases. Gene therapy provides genes
that are otherwise not doing their job in order to control diseases that impact the body. Some
types of gene therapy even involve inserting genes into the reproductive organs so that the
corrections made to the genetic defects can be passed on into future generations.
Definition of Key Terms:
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering is manually adding new DNA to an organism. The point behind
doing this is to replace or fill in fault or missing traits not already in that organism. A prominent
example of genetic engineering in everyday society is genetically modified organisms, or GMOs,
such as plants with resistance to some insects, crops with modified oil content, and plants that
tolerate herbicides. At the center of every cell in any living thing, there are long chains of a
chemical called DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which form the genetic material of a cell. The
information that makes up DNA is divided into blocks called genes, and it is the expression of
these genes that encourage scientists to genetically modify organisms. When DNA is expressed,
they determine a specific form and function. If the gene expressing a certain trait in an organism
is isolated and removed, and then reinserted into another organism, a characteristic in that
organism will be altered.
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy, which is a more specific type of genetic engineering, is when genes are
inserted into the body in order to treat diseases. Seeing as genes provide basic biological code for
determining the functions of specific cells, genes can be provided that either correct or fill in for
what other cells have failed to do or do not do at all. By doing this, diseases can be controlled
and avoided. Somatic gene therapy involves inserting therapeutic genes into cells to treat a
specific person. Germ-line gene therapy injects genes into the reproductive cells within
reproductive organs in the body in hopes that these “fixed” genes will be passed down to future
generations. This type of gene therapy would prevent inherited diseases from affecting
newborns. Gene therapies have grown, and now include treatments for infection diseases,
arthritis, and even cancer. However, the issue is that some scientists are concerned that these
therapeutic genes may causes diseases in themselves. There is also the potential threat that geneline therapy may be used in the future to control human development rather than diseases,
meaning intelligence and appearance would be controlled from the womb.
Background Information:
The use of genetic engineering to eliminate diseases of the immune system has existed as
early as the 1970s, when scientists proposed it for treatment of hereditary diseases as a result of
mutated genes. The basis for this treatment would be to remove the gene causing the disease, and
replacing it with a gene that would function properly. Despite the lack of technical expertise and
biological knowledge needed to perform this treatment, the theory fit the glove.
In 1983, scientists from Baylor College of Medicine proposed that this therapy could be
an approach for treatment of Lesch-Nyhan diseases, which is a rare neurological disorder in
which individuals would self-mutilate their hands and head, along with involuntary muscle
movement and learning difficulties. As this science progressed in the 1980s, gene therapy had
established itself in the minds of medical scientists as a viable approach for treatment of specific
diseases. One of the reasons as to why this establishment happened was because scientists’
ability to identify the specific gene mutation of genetic malfunction that caused the specific
hereditary disease. This is where interest in the field of DNA and chromosomes grew, and it was
shown that some types of genetic abnormalities would occur in successive generations of some
family members who suffered from certain diseases. Despite the fact that genes are not the only
factor causing disease, they do make individuals more prone to developing a certain disease
because of external influences.
The first time gene therapy was used for treatment of a genetic disorder was on
September 14, 1990, when a girl was suffering from a disease that stopped her body from
producing a crucial enzyme. Her body could not produce adenosine deaminase (ADA), leading
to a weakened immune system, which led to her being extremely susceptible to life-threatening
and severe infections. Doctors took white blood cells, cells that are crucial to the functions of our
immune systems, from the girl, injected ADA-producing genes into them, and returned them
back into the girl. After this treatment, the girl showed an increased ability to produce ADA, but
whether that had to do with gene therapy or a drug treatment she received was unknown.
Major Countries and Organizations Involved:
There are many different countries involved in the use and study of genetic engineering,
such as the pioneer America, to Canada, to many countries in Europe and Asia. Major
organizations involved in genetic engineering include the National Human Genome Research
Institute, an international research project map and sequence all the gene, known as the genome,
of our species, providing us with the blueprints for building a human being. Also, the American
Society of Gene and Cell Therapy is a society whose mission is to advance awareness, education,
and knowledge leading to the clinical application of gene therapies to prevent human diseases.
Current Status:
In our modern day, genetic engineering has reached amazing heights, and its availability
and use in society has led to vast improvements in human health. It can now be used to fight
diseases, such as avoiding the possible threat of AIDs or cancer, or prevention of cystic fibrosis,
and many others. Genetic engineering can also be used to “play God”, by changing the DNA of
living organisms. Some people believe this will lead to a healthier and better life, while others
are scared of what this field of genetic engineering would mean for the future. Birth defects can
be completely eliminated through use of modern gene therapy techniques, and hereditary
diseases can be prevented completely.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, there are both advantages and disadvantages to the use of genetic
engineering. It can be used to improve life in ways never imagined or done before, or it can be
used to change human DNA in order to maximize intelligence and improve physical appearance.
Once genetic engineering is fully implemented in humans, there will be no way to get rid of it,
and it cannot just be turned off. The responsible use of this technology is what people want, but it
is not likely to be what happens, as there are no limits to genetic technology. Once genes are
changed, they cannot be changed back. This may entail something good, but if a mistake was to
happen, it would be fatal. Delegates should focus on both the advantages and disadvantages of
genetic engineering, and how they play a role in how science is developing this technology.
Bibliography:
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27131/
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http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/gene_therapy.aspx
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http://agbiosafety.unl.edu/basic_genetics.shtml
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http://www.asgct.org/about_gene_therapy/diseases.php
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http://www.genome.gov/10001772
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http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/genetic-engineering.shtml