Q: If I want a child with no “bad” genes, how much would
that cost to find if the embryo has them or not?
A: Approximately $3,500 in the United States and twice that
in Britain. This process includes testing the embryos for genetic defects as
well as in vitro fertilization.
Q: How likely is it I can choose my child’s sex?
A: Apparently very likely. According to John Hopkins
University, research has shown that as of 2006 65% of clinics have this
ability. Now that it is 2015, it is likely to be higher.
Q: How are genes delivered in gene therapy?
A: Genes are actually injected into viral vectors which then
“infect” you cells and implant the correct gene into your cell’s DNA.
Q: Can these viruses make me sick?
A: Not at all. The viruses used thus far in clinical trials
are under very strict guidelines to insure purity and integrity of the DNA that
is being transported into your cells.
Q: What is the difference between gene therapy and cell
therapy?
A: Gene therapy is the act of injecting a virus into the
blood stream which then injects the correct form of the gene into your cells.
Cell therapy is the act of injecting actual cells into a particular area of the
body that have relevant function.
Q: What kind of diseases can gene therapy treat?
A: Gene therapy is thought to be a great candidate for
fixing any genetic defect in our DNA. From Cystic Fibrosis to possible Cancer
treatment usage, there are a lot of options for what may come of this
technology.
Q: Why would we want to use Stem cells for cell therapy?
A: Stem cells are able to differentiate into any cell in the
body and have a lot of regenerative qualities that could be sustained
throughout the lifetime of a patient. Stems cells also would eliminate the
concern of the immune system rejection, where the immune cells basically attack
thinking that the foreign material is bad. With the use of Stem cells, it would
already be the cells of the patient and the body would adapt perfectly. 
References:
http://image.slidesharecdn.com/genetherapy-131009190236-phpapp02/95/gene-therapy-3-638.jpg?cb=1381345440
really interesting questions and I always want to know the cost to find bad genes; surprisingly the price is too high and unreasonable. I think knowing the health of my child is one of my rights and the government should force the insurance companies to cover most of the price.
ReplyDeleteGreat entry Bridget, your answered to these question help me to have a better understanding of gene therapy.
ReplyDeleteI have never thought that there are more than one type of gene therapy.