A physician is using somatic gene therapy for a patient with a severe genetic disorder. What is involved in this process?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic gene therapy involves inserting normal copies of a gene into the cells of an affected individual's body, in order to replace or supplement a gene that is causing a genetic disorder. This approach is different from germline gene therapy, which aims to correct genetic abnormalities in the genes of sperm or egg cells. Blocking an overactive pathway and turning off a gene are also potential applications of gene therapy, but inserting normal copies of the gene would be the most relevant choice for treating a severe genetic disorder.

A Physician Is Using Somatic Gene Therapy for a Patient