Gene Therapy and its Practical Applications

Gene therapy carries a dangerous stigma in society today. Images of scientists creating “perfect ” human beings and genetically “defective ” family lines being permanently modified frighten the public. Gene therapy, however, offers an incredibly powerful tool for preventing and curing disease. Once it is understood, its place in the future of medicine should become acceptable and beneficial to everyone. The genetic technology involved with gene therapy is not based on altering the human germline (which happens to be illegal), but based on aiding the human body in fighting a disease or the expected onset of a disease. This type of technology is more similar to medical treatments of the past than most people realize; gene therapy simply takes advantage of the human body’s ability to produce its own cure more quickly, safely and effectively than can be done in a lab. Basic gene therapy approaches usually involve adding something to a gene through a variety of vectors. Most research and testing has been done with the vector introduction of a sequence that codes for a needed protein, either to counter a deficiency, induce a strong immune response, or destroy tumor cells. Examples of a needed protei