GENE THERAPY Meaning and
Definition
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Gene therapy refers to a cutting-edge medical intervention that aims to treat or prevent genetic disorders by altering or replacing faulty genes within a person's cells. It involves the delivery of therapeutic genes into specific cells of the body to address or compensate for the underlying genetic abnormality causing the disease.
The process of gene therapy typically involves a multi-step procedure. First, a modified version of a gene is inserted into a delivery vehicle known as a vector, often using a harmless virus as a carrier. The vector is then introduced into the patient's body, where it specifically targets the affected cells. Once inside the cells, the therapeutic gene is incorporated into their DNA, thus enabling the cells to produce the correct proteins or compensate for the missing or defective ones.
Gene therapy holds immense potential to revolutionize the treatment of a broad range of genetic diseases and disorders, including inherited disorders like cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy, as well as acquired conditions such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. It aims to provide long-lasting or permanent therapeutic effects, reducing the reliance on traditional treatment methods that merely manage symptoms.
This emerging field of medical research and treatment has garnered significant attention due to its potential to address diseases at their genetic roots. However, gene therapy is still in its early stages and faces numerous challenges, including ensuring the safety and efficacy of the introduced genes, achieving successful delivery to target cells, and addressing potential ethical concerns surrounding gene manipulation. Despite these hurdles, gene therapy holds great promise for the future of medicine and offers hope for those suffering from previously incurable genetic conditions.
Common Misspellings for GENE THERAPY
- fene therapy
- vene therapy
- bene therapy
- hene therapy
- yene therapy
- tene therapy
- gwne therapy
- gsne therapy
- gdne therapy
- grne therapy
- g4ne therapy
- g3ne therapy
- gebe therapy
- geme therapy
- geje therapy
- gehe therapy
- genw therapy
- gens therapy
- gend therapy
- genr therapy
Etymology of GENE THERAPY
The word "gene therapy" is derived from two main components: "gene" and "therapy".
1. Gene: The term "gene" was coined by Danish scientist Wilhelm Johannsen in 1909. It originates from the German word "Gen", which was used by Austrian botanist Hugo de Vries in 1905 to describe the basic unit of inheritance. "Gen" itself is derived from the Greek word "genos", meaning "race" or "birth".
2. Therapy: The word "therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "treatment". It has been in use since ancient times and is related to the Greek verb "therapeuo", which means "to treat medically" or "to care for".
