Download Human Disorders and Gene Therapy

Human Disorders and
Gene Therapy
By: Spencer and Ben²
Definition
Gene therapy is the process of transplanting normal genes into cells in
order to replace a missing or defective gene. These faulty genes cause a
specific genetic disorder can affect the body because the cells produce
incorrect proteins from the incorrect information provided by the DNA.
Gene therapy can help correct certain genetic disorders by providing the
cell the proper genetic information to the cell so that the cell can begin
building proper proteins.
How it Works
Gene therapy involves the replacement of the defective genetic material
in a cell with a copy of the healthy gene in question. This is done by
injecting the healthy genes into the defective cell. If done correctly, the
implanted genetic information will allow the cell to properly act as it is
supposed to if it didn’t contain the error in its genetic material originally
Current / Future Uses
Gene therapy is not currently an effective treatment for genetic disorders
but it has the potential, with refinement, to become a potential cure for a
large variety of genetic disorders. Some of the diseases that could
potentially be cured with the use of gene therapy includes cystic fibrosis,
muscular dystrophy and retinal diseases.
Benefits
Untapped potential ~ There is still research going on seeing how effective they
can be, gene therapy is considered a newer process and not all is known
Replacing defective cells ~ In doing this, depending on the gene that has been
replaced, it removes any possibility of getting a genetic disorder
Eradicates disease ~ Gene therapy can be used to treat disorders like
Alzheimer's, if it is fully successful then all the faulty alzheimer genes are
gone and the person is cured
Possible to replicate any missing or defective protein ~ Once it is fully
developed scientists could produce missing or defective proteins that could
prolong life or fix certain disorders
Risks
Gene therapy is a very complicated process, Unfortunately it is not possible just
to insert healthy genes anywhere in the body, a vector or a “taxi” to deliver the
gene to the proper cells. The
Some risks include: Targeting the incorrect cells, the virus that that is carrying
the new gene into the body may affect other cells, not just the targeted cells with
the mutated gene. This can cause diseases and potentially cancer.
Infection: The virus, once introduced into the body may recover its original ability
to cause disease and affect the body.
If the new genes are inserted and it is inserted into the wrong spot in your DNA it
can tumors
Citations
Pros and Cons of Gene Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visionlaunch.com/blog/2015/11/13/pros-and-cons-ofgene-therapy/#
Gene therapy. (2011). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/gene-therapy
Challenges In Gene Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/genetherapy/challenges/
Mayo Clinic Staff Print. (2016). Gene therapy. Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/testsprocedures/gene-therapy/details/risks/cmc-20243698
Gene Therapy and Cell Therapy Defined. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2016, from http://www.asgct.org/generalpublic/educational-resources/gene-therapy--and-cell-therapy-defined
Pros and Cons of Gene Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://visionlaunch.com/blog/2015/11/13/pros-and-cons-of-genetherapy/#