8 - Gene Therapy

Abstract

This chapter discusses that gene therapy is one of the most innovative and imaginative uses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology. Gene therapy is a process in which scientists take cells from the patient, alter their chromosomes by adding genes, and then replace the cells back into the patient. Another approach is to insert the genes into a carrier, such as a virus and place the viruses into human tissues. The new genes provide the genetic codes for proteins the patient needs. The chapter discusses the way “foreign” genes can be delivered to the cells of a patient through retroviruses. The chapter also explains effects of deficiency of adenosine deaminase and gene therapy can resolve this deficiency. The mechanism used to treat certain forms of cancer in gene therapy is also discussed. Further, the chapter explains the molecular basis for cystic fibrosis and describing the uses of gene therapy to treat this disease. Details of several approaches to treating AIDS patients by using gene therapy are discussed. The future uses of gene therapy are projected. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the reviews and oversights of gene therapy experiments, and states the need to ensure the safety of patients and the public.