Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
fig. 6.3. Germ-line gene therapy via
genetically engineered eggs. Copies
of a normal gene are injected into
an egg with a defective copy of the
same gene. one or more copies of
the normal gene insert themselves
into the chromosomal DnA of the
egg. The egg is fertilized, allowed
to develop in vitro to the blastocyst
stage, transferred to a woman's
uterus, and carried to term. All
of the cells in the baby contain the
new gene, including cells that will
produce sperm and eggs. The same
procedure could be used for germ-
line genetic enhancement.
this to have children free from the disorder. or consider a diagnosable ge-
netic disorder carried by prospective parents that could be life-threatening
in some of their children. An example is germ-line retinoblastoma, a dev-
astating genetic disease that leaves victims with multiple types of cancer
throughout the body in later life. Germ-line gene therapy could rid all sub-
sequent generations of this family from the dread disease. There are other
situations similar to the two just described in which the only feasible way
for parents to perpetuate their genetic lines with healthy offspring is via
germ-line gene therapy.
Somatic Cell Genetic Enhancement (Type 3)
in may 2001, the
New York Times
reported that athletes will soon seek a
competitive edge from altered genes, if they are not already doing so. injec-
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