The Incredible Potential of Gene Therapy Essay - 1166 Words

In the modern world humans have been able to design and create nearly anything, most to aid us in our daily lives and improve our standard of living. It is only inevitable that eventually humans would take our superior knowledge and skill to manipulate life itself and change our genome to produce a healthier and even more superior human standard of life. In recent years discussion about gene therapy has changed into a promising possibility to treat many of our common human diseases and disorders. Although gene therapy might be the answer to many problems, it has been met with a number of logistical and ethical hardships. With the prospect of being a treatment for inherited genetic disorders, cancers, and viral infections, gene†¦show more content†¦Such genetically modified viruses are called vectors, and are the most popular way in which to administer gene therapy. Additionally there are many ways that these vectors could be introduced to potential patients of gene thera py. According to Genetics Home Reference, a government authority for genetic information, â€Å"a vector can be injected or given intravenously directly into a specific tissue in the body†¦ Alternately, a sample of the patient’s cells can be removed and exposed to the vector in a laboratory setting. The cells containing the vector are then returned to the patient.† (GHR 2) However getting corrective DNA into a host is only half of the challenge. There are many other issues facing development of gene therapy. Many researchers have outlined that there is a long list of factors that must be considered before gene therapy proves to be a reliable and safe choice for patients. Among these concerns are ensuring that gene and DNA transfer is done so that host cells and DNA are not damaged during transfer, and that transfer is done so that immune reactions do not negatively affect the host during or after transfer. A recent journal publication, â€Å"Haemophiliaâ₠¬ , addressed and outlined many other factors that must be carefully considered for the success of gene therapy procedures. Haemophilia states: The gene beingShow MoreRelatedThe Human Genome Project763 Words   |  3 Pagesthe successful completion of Human Genome Project (HGP). HGP is an international multidisciplinary scientific research project which was involved in mapping and sequencing human DNA and determining the various aspects of its function. With this incredible expertise to his credit, Dr. Collins in the book ‘The Language of Life’ talks about personalizing medicine by understanding the DNA of each individual. The author starts by narrating some real life incidents of his family members which threw lightRead MoreA Research Study On Regenerative Medicine1220 Words   |  5 Pagesby understanding better how diseases develop. Regenerative medicine is an emerging field that had known incredible advances over the last 20 years. 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ThisRead More Gene Therapy Saves Lives Essay1968 Words   |  8 PagesGene Therapy Saves Lives   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tim was diagnosed with a rare and deadly disease this morning. He is only five years old with the rest of his life ahead of him. It isnt his fault that he received this disease or even his parents. This disease comes out in anyones body that has a defected gene. The disease has made Tim live in a sanitized bubble the last year because of the fear that he might catch any common bug and die. He has severe combined immunodeficiency, or SCID. The disease lacks a