Genetic injection, often used in the context of gene therapy, involves delivering genetic material (like a healthy gene) into cells. The goal is to treat diseases by replacing faulty genes, inactivating harmful ones, or introducing new genes.
Understanding Gene Therapy and Genetic Injection
Gene therapy uses genetic injection as a key method for delivering therapeutic genes. Here's a breakdown:
- Delivery of Genetic Material: Healthcare providers introduce a healthy copy of a gene into the body's cells.
- Types of Gene Therapy Actions: According to the reference, this healthy gene can then perform one of three actions:
- Replace a damaged (mutated) gene.
- Inactivate a mutated gene.
- Introduce an entirely new gene (gene addition).
- Gene Addition: This specific process involves inserting a new copy of a gene into your cells, supplementing the existing genetic material.
Genetic injection, therefore, is the mechanism by which these therapeutic genes are transferred into cells to perform their intended function within gene therapy. The injected genetic material then alters the cell's function, ideally to correct a genetic defect or provide a new beneficial function.
