Definition and contribution of Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique utilized to add new genes in to the cells of patients with the aim of replacing worn out and malfunctioning genes. The process is made possible by the use of vehicles, otherwise known as vectors that transport the new genes in to the cells (Jabr n.d). The vectors in most cases are viruses, which can transfect the cells hence incorporating the gene in to the genome. Gene transfer or gene therapy can be facilitated through in vivo or ex vivo processes. In the former, the gene of interest is inserted in to the cell genome in the body system of the patient. In the ex vivo, the cell is first removed from the body, the gene inserted in to its genome and the transformed cell inserted back in to the body system. Gene therapy also called genetic engineering is utilized in the treatment of numerous diseases, for instance, hemophilia and Parkinson’s disease (Nienhuis). The technique has for long been beneficial to certain patients, and its use is increasing incredibly throughout the globe. However, it has some side effects making it undesirable by others.
According to the Science Daily, gene therapy has the advantages of establishing a life with immortal cells (Nienhuis, n.d). The process enables the insertion and incorporation of immortal cells in to the genome hence protecting the body from certain diseases. With these cells, diseases will be unheard of as the malfunctioning genes are replaced with functional and durable, immortal cells. With the cells, the span of human life can be prolonged. Diseases cause most deaths in several parts of the world. Thus, prevention of diseases by gene therapy can lead to extension of life span. The cons of genetic engineering as per the Science Daily are the numerous deaths that resulted due to the gene therapy procedure. This involved the use of viruses that infected the patients or subjects hence causing their deaths. The article also sees the technique as affecting other aspects of the body system far away from the point of gene insertion. Gene diversity is at a risk following gene therapy because of insertion of similar genes and eradication of mutations. Ethically, the technique is not acceptable since it involves manipulation of natural biological system (Jabr n.d.).
According to Scientific American article, gene therapy is beneficial in replacing cells affected by genetic mutations (Jabr n.d.). Humans are improved species with gene therapy because it reduces the incidences of diseases affecting humans. A normal functioning gene can also replace a flawed chromosome in the cells although this is not common. The vectors utilized in gene delivery are safe and can readily infect the cells hence yielding high levels of the therapeutic protein of interest. This article concentrates more on the vectors used in gene therapy and due to their characteristics; the technique can be either a success or a failure. The use of retroviruses and adenovirus has made gene therapy a success in some circumstances because of the reliable characteristics as vectors. However, the vectors seem to have certain disadvantages making the entire process a failure in some situations. For instance, retroviruses are known for stitching their carrier genes anywhere in the genome. This means that they are not specific, and their use can cause serious side effects, for example, leukemia in the patient being treated (Nienhuis n.d). Some of the vectors are also only temporarily active; hence, problems can be reoccurring after some time.
The two articles vary in the manner in which they address the pros and cons of gene therapy technique. The Science Daily considers the general pros and cons of the technique. The benefits of gene therapy are related to the occurrence and reoccurrence of the disease inpatient after the procedure. Genetic engineering enhances prolonged life spans, and if performed ineffectively, the process can cause serious side effects, death being inclusive. The Scientific American, on the other hand, concentrates on the vectors used in gene therapy. Effective and reliable vectors mean, the gene therapy process will be a success. However, if the vectors are not effective, the process is bound to fail and the patient treated can be at risk. Both the articles are clear of the gene therapy technique. Its principal use in the health sector is to replace the malfunctioning genes from the human body system, and most trials have been successful. Several health sectors are trying it out, and success has been observed with only a few failures.
Gene therapy adds new genes in to the genome system of patients. The technique is only possible by the use of vectors that facilitate the insertion of new genes in to the genome. Different methods can be used to insert the genes depending on the condition being treated or repaired. Genetic engineering has both benefits and disadvantages, which should all be addressed. These pros and cons are related to the general genetic system either during and after the procedure or to the vectors. It is clear that genetic technology is not yet at its peak and most people still find its use not effective enough (Nienhuis n.d). The choice to utilize technology in genetic engineering is on society. The government and policy makers determine beneficial and disastrous aspects of these technological advancements. Being aware of the good and dark sides of gene therapy gives the society the opportunity to decide the best healthy way to live or correct their illnesses.
Gene therapy is an essential for the world to curb certain diseases in the health field. However, the technique is subject to criticism because of the severe side effects that come with the therapy. I stand on the cons side of the technique due to its adverse effects humans are bound to experience. The negatives of gene therapy are more and serious than the positives. Starting from the viral vectors to the mutations and other genetic effects on the human genome, the technique can lead to problems that can be more costly and time consuming than the therapy itself. Therefore, proper and thorough research needs to be done on the technique to make it acceptable by everyone.
Works Cited
Jabr, Ferris. Sight Seen: Gene Therapy Restores Vision in Both Eyes. Scientific American. 2012.
Web. 9 December 2012.
Available at:
<http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=gene-therapy-blindness>
Nienhuis, Arthur. How does gene therapy work? Scientific American. 2008. Web. 9 December
2012.
Available at:
<http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=experts-gene-therapy>
