Summary: Gene therapies are experimental techniques involving various methods of altering the genetic information of a cell. The goals of gene therapy are to reverse the process of aging and to combat harmful aspects of viruses and diseases. Although gene therapy is still in its early stages, various scientific studies have already shown promising results, including slowing or reversing the aging process.
Source: MedlinePlus
1. Gene therapy may treat cystic fibrosis and reduce newborn mortality rates.
Description
In studies on mice, gene therapy has shown positive results for treating cystic fibrosis during the neonatal phase of development. The same treatment has been shown to reduce mortality rates among newborns diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Source: ScienceDirect
2. Gene therapy has been successful in slowing the onset and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Description
Gene therapy may be successful in reducing the onset and symptoms of age-related neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. However, results are difficult to measure in some cases since it is challenging to predict the age of developing a neurological condition like Alzheimer’s.
Source: Nature Portfolio
3. Gene therapy can help the elderly cope with vision loss.
Description
As people age, their ability to capture light and interpret visuals decreases. Fortunately, gene therapy can successfully treat vision loss in elderly patients suffering from macular degeneration.
Source: ScienceDirect
4. The age a patient is treated with gene therapy plays an important role in the success of the treatment.
Description
Many medical issues have a genetic component. Our DNA shows our cells how to reproduce and function, and as such, is the basis of various medical conditions. Gene therapy is most effective when used as a preventative strategy rather than a reactive strategy. An example is a fetus receiving gene therapy to combat a medical issue after childbirth. On the other hand, gene therapy is less effective when used on a matured body. The treatment is still helpful for many elderly patients while generally far more effective when used on younger patients.
Source: Wiley Online Library
5. Two main types of gene therapy exist, and the appropriate treatment depends on the treated host cell.
Description
The two main types of gene therapy are somatic and germline. Somatic gene therapy involves transferring sections of the DNA to cells that are not producing egg–or sperm cells. This type only impacts the patient. On the other hand, germline gene therapy involves transferring or replacing sections of the DNA on the sex cells. Consequently, the impact of germline gene therapy can pass down to future generations.
Source: yourgenome
6. Telomere lengthening is an important anti-aging process.
Description
Most cells die or have reproduction problems that are tied to the shortening of telomeres within the cell. A big part of the type of gene therapy that lengthens the telomeres of cells includes injecting genetic information, which in turn extends their lifespan and reduces the chances that incorrect genetic information will be passed on to the new cells.
Source: Nature Portfolio
7. Gene Therapy can inhibit age-related muscular wasting.
Description
In 2015, a type of gene therapy focused on age–related muscular wasting caused by the protein called myostatin was performed. The average person loses about 50% of one’s muscle mass by age 80, which results in a poor quality of life. The gene therapy was performed in leg muscles and not only did the overall muscle mass increase but a reduction of intramuscular fat was also observed without a decrease in body weight. Years after the therapy, these results are still seen with no negative effects whatsoever.
Source: Integrated Health Systems
8. Gene therapy can lengthen our telomeres.
Description
Before a 2015 gene therapy procedure was performed on a female patient, her telomeres were determined to be unusually short and indicated her age to be about 20 years older than her biological age. Only half a year after the procedure, her telomeres were measured and showed an extension of approximately 20 years. Thus, the therapy had restored her telomeres to her normal age. Three years later her telomeres were tested again, and this time, her telomeres had increased the equivalent of another decade of cellular rejuvenation. All this has been accomplished with no negative side effects all at.
Source: Integrated Health Systems