What Is Gene Therapy and How Does It Work?
Gene therapy is the technology of adding new genes into a patient's cells to replace missing or malfunctioning genes.
Gene therapy usually involves inserting one or more corrective genes* that has been designed in the laboratory into the patient's cell to cure the disease.
*The genes that are used to correct mutation are the section of DNA within the genome that carries the information to make a molecule, usually a protein.
The designed genes contains a functioning gene to correct the disease-causing mutated genes.
Gene therapy usually involves inserting one or more corrective genes* that has been designed in the laboratory into the patient's cell to cure the disease.
*The genes that are used to correct mutation are the section of DNA within the genome that carries the information to make a molecule, usually a protein.
The designed genes contains a functioning gene to correct the disease-causing mutated genes.
To allow the correct gene to be transfer to the right cells, scientists need a vector to carry the right gene to the right place.
The VECTOR in this case is like a transportation tool. It's like your car where you have to drive every morning to get to work. It helps you to get to the right place at the right time.
The vector carrying the correct gene will bind to the cell membrane, then transport to the nucleus and release the correct DNA in to the nucleus. Cells will then use this correct gene to make the correct protein, thus stop the disease from mutational genes.
The vector carrying the correct gene will bind to the cell membrane, then transport to the nucleus and release the correct DNA in to the nucleus. Cells will then use this correct gene to make the correct protein, thus stop the disease from mutational genes.
There are two types of vector
Viral
&
Non-Viral
Viral
&
Non-Viral
The main vectors used by scientists to carry modified genes into cells are are virus. (Viral Vector)
You can read more about the different types of vector and the challenges posed by them in my other blog post!!!
Bibliography
Mandal, A. (2014, January 14). What is Gene Therapy? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Gene-Therapy.aspx
Nienhuis, A. (2008, May 13). How does gene therapy work? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-gene-therapy/
What is gene therapy. (2014, November 16). Retrieved from http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-therapy
Mandal, A. (2014, January 14). What is Gene Therapy? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Gene-Therapy.aspx
Nienhuis, A. (2008, May 13). How does gene therapy work? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-gene-therapy/
What is gene therapy. (2014, November 16). Retrieved from http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-therapy