Holy Bible says that God is the creator of everything. He created out of nothing the infinite universe, planet Earth, us surrounding beautiful landscapes, and finally – a man who has both advantages and disadvantages. Some of us God awarded with beauty, strength, health, and for some people did not get these properties. So not in vain is said that there is no perfect people. Do you imagine the world in which we take over the creator’s role, and we would have the potential to change ourselves in the desired direction? To become perfect beings? I mean that we could control our genes, and at the same time our decisive features. Just think how we could avoid the disease, maybe even be immortal. There is a real possibility – it is gene therapy.
In 1970, scientists discovered a way allowing isolate the desired genes in the DNA chain. These were the first steps toward the science of gene therapy. Currently, this method of treatment is defined as the way in which the genes, affecting a specific defect are replaced by the right genes to cure the patient’s disease.
Into this world we come with a unique set of the chromosomes that consists of genes determining the outer personality characteristics, as well as health properties. However, not everything always goes according to plan. Sometimes genes mutate, change or have DNA errors in the structure, which our body is unable to repair, and which causes certain disorders and diseases. Sometimes these diseases are even inheritable. Thus, gene therapy is like a source of hope for all patients, since it would be possible to remove the disease before it has showed first symptoms.
There are currently two known gene therapy methods. One is a somatic cell gene therapy. In this case, the wrong genes are replaced by the right ones and then our body’s cells start to produce the right proteins and ultimately suppress, eliminate the genes which determine certain disorders. However, this method affects only the patient’s health and not influences the next generation.
Other gene therapy’s method is applied to the reproductive cells. In this case the right genes are inserted into the reproductive cells. The process influences parents and their offspring who will have healthy genes. It is also possible to insert the correct gene in the early embryo stage, and in this case the effect will be observed only in the embryo.
One of the main challenges of gene therapy is the transfer of the right genetic information into desired cells. Thus, at present, there are several methods of genetic material delivery – is the use of viral vectors, chemical or physical methods. However, the most popular is the use of vectors. The right genes are packed into capsules, and they travel to the sick cells. Vectors are usually viruses, as they are well able target to cells and to transfer the information.
However, not everything is gold what gold glisten. Using gene therapy method with viral vectors is inevitable immune response. For our immune system it does not matter whether the virus is good or bad, the goal is to destroy it. Thus, in order for the gene therapy to work, it is necessary to significantly impair immunity.
A positive result of gene therapy is obvious. We can clean up genetic diseases prior to its onset, as well as avoid them in the next generation. It is possible to cure diseases such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer, Parkinson, heart failure, and many other diseases. Thus, gene therapy is a great future medical instrument, because it can to control and eliminate hereditary diseases.
On the other hand, always need to think about the consequences. First of all, there is still a lack of knowledge about gene therapy, its functioning, monitoring, as well as the safety of genetic information contamination. Thus, the procedure is very risky. Scientists rely on more theoretical knowledge than specific facts. Of course, after more experiments and searches, can be discovered the answer to this problem.
Picture by Pixabay.com
What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More
In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More
De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More
The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More
The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More
As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More
View Comments
It could be risky if it has not been studied well. What if there occurred errors in manipulating the genes, so the individual could be a mutant or have some problems in his genetic makeup. It is just like "messing" with God's work (IMO) like what you said about Creation as stated in the Bible.