It is the introduction of a gene sequence into a cell with the aim of modifying the cell’s behaviour in a clinically relevant fashion
It may be used in several ways, e.g.
o To correct a genetic mutation (as for cystic fibrosis),
o To kill a cell (as for cancer) or
o To modify susceptibility (as for coronary artery disease)
The gene may be introduced
o Using a virus (usually a retrovirus or adenovirus) or
o By means of lipid or receptor targeting
There is now almost universal agreement that gene delivery to somatic cell to treat disease is ethical and that gene therapy should take its place alongside other forms of medical treatment
Refernces:
• Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 23rd ed.
Eugenics: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/eugenics
Negative Eugenics and Positive Eugenics: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/eugenics
Euphenics: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/euphenics
Euthenics: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/euthenics
Genetic Counselling: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/genetic-counselling
Neonatal Screening: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/neonatal-screening
Prenatal Diagnosis: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/prenatal-diagnosis
Gene therapy: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/gene-therapy
Erythroblastosis Foetalis: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/erythroblastosis-foetalis
Role of Genetic Predisposition in Common Disorders: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/role-genetic-predisposition-common-disorders
Difference between ‘Eugenics’ and ‘Genetic Counselling’: http://www.ihatepsm.com/blog/difference-between-%E2%80%98eugenics%E2%80%...
FAQs in Genetics and Health (lecture): http://www.ihatepsm.com/category/genetics-and-health