Welcome to the Gene Therapy website!
Hello and welcome to the Gene Therapy website! This site was created by a group of students in Dr. Wu's Generaly Biology class. In this site you will find out the facts behind Gene Therapy as well as the myths and opinions. We will take a look at the problems facing scientists and federal laws. We will explore the history of Gene Therapy as well as the future. We will dive into all the ways Gene Therapy could benefit today's society.
Gene Therapy
So what is Gene Therapy?
-Gene therapy is a form of therapy that involves inserting one or more corrective genes that have been designed in the laboratory, into the genetic material of a patient's cells to cure a genetic disease or mutation
-The expression of the new gene or genes can then alter the DNA or RNA transcript used to synthesize proteins and therefore correct the disease. Gene therapy is still in the experimental stages and its use is therefore not yet widespread.
There are two types of Gene Therpay.
•Somatic Gene Therapy- DNA is transferred into only Somatic (Body) Cells. When the body cells are targeted it effects only the individual treated and not any offspring.
•Germline Gene Therapy- DNA is transferred into reproductive cells that produce eggs or sperm in the body. This allows for the correction of disease-causing gene variants that are certain to be passed down by generation.
•Prohibited in many countries due to ethical and technical concerns.
Trivia Question!
Is Gene Therapy allowed for human access in the United States?
The video below to explains a little more about Gene Therapy.
Click on the image of BOB below and he will show you where genes are located in his body, as well as yours!
