Prospects for Gene Insertion Therapy in Early Life

  • Marcus Pembrey
Chapter

Abstract

The deliberate insertion of specific DNA sequences into a person’s genome to alter the way his body functions is the recombinant DNA technique that comes closest to the popular concept of genetic engineering. It is also the prospect that has engendered the most extreme reactions from some members of the public. The scientists and clinicans working on these projects tend to be either hailed as the new stars of medicine — the gene doctors — who will neatly cure genetic diseases by replacing harmful genes, or they are regarded as a monstrous threat to society. In this contribution I indicate why some of the wilder misconceptions may have arisen, as well as putting the future contribution of gene therapy into some general perspective with respect to all the clinical services being developed to help families afflicted with serious genetic disease.

Keywords

Gene Therapy Long Terminal Repeat Globin Gene Bone Marrow Stem Cell Fetal Haemoglobin 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© The Galton Institute 1991

Authors and Affiliations

  • Marcus Pembrey

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