Genetic Disease

Gene Therapy: Revolutionizing the Treatment of Genetic Diseases   What exactly is gene therapy and what types of diseases can it potentially treat? Gene therapy is a medical approach that aims to treat or prevent disease by correcting the underlying genetic problem. This can involve replacing a mutated gene with a healthy copy, inactivating a malfunctioning gene, or introducing a new gene into the body to help fight disease. It holds promise for treating a wide range of genetic disorders, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease, Huntington's disease, as well as acquired diseases like certain cancers and HIV.   How does gene therapy work at a fundamental level within our cells? At its core, gene therapy involves altering the genetic material within a patient's cells. This is typically done by delivering a therapeutic gene (often carried by a vector, like a modified virus) into the target cells. Once inside the cell, the delivered gene can then be transcribed int...