- Somatic Cell Therapy: This occur mainly in the somatic cells of the human body. The only person who has the damaged cells will have healthy cells replaced because this is a single-person issue. Therapeutic genes are introduced into the somatic cells or stem cells of the human body using this technique. This approach of gene therapy is regarded as the most effective and secure one. This kind of gene therapy treats diseases like cancer, genetic abnormalities, and specific viral infections by focusing on the body’s non-reproductive cells.
- Germline Therapy: It occurs in the human body’s germline cells. This approach is typically used to correct genetic disease-causing gene variants that are handed down from parents to their offspring. The essential requirements are inserting functional DNA into the cells that generate eggs or sperm, the reproductive cells. Many countries do not permit sperm gene therapy because the dangers exceed the advantages. This kind of gene therapy is designed to be passed down from generation to generation and targets reproductive cells. Due to safety and ethical issues, it is still quite controversial and not yet extensively used.
- Gene Replacement Therapy: The goal of gene replacement therapy is to identify faulty genes, apply a correct copy of the gene’s DNA through a viral vector (sometimes referred to as a carrier molecule), and replace the detected faulty genes with the proper copies. In this kind of gene therapy, a patient’s cells are given a functioning copy of a gene that is absent or damaged.
- Gene Editing Therapy: Gene therapy includes gene editing. By using genetic material to treat or prevent disease, they both aim to tackle the underlying cause of the illness, such as a gene variant or mutation. Gene editing differs from gene therapy in that it delivers genetic material that can directly edit DNA fragments inside of a cell. This kind of gene therapy includes precisely altering a person’s DNA, such as by eliminating genetic mutations or introducing new genes.
- Gene Silencing Therapy: Gene silencing is a relatively new therapy method that makes use of the body’s natural processes to control the disease by silencing or inhibiting particular genes linked to particular diseases. Silencing here refers to temporarily suppressing a gene’s message that would otherwise result in an undesirable outcome. Through the use of methods like RNA interference, damaging genes’ expression is reduced in this type of gene therapy.
Biotechnology And Its Application- Gene Therapy