New gene therapy to reduce risk of cancer

Q.  Scientists have discovered a new safer gene therapy to reduce the risk of which disease?
- Published on 07 Nov 16

a. Heart attack
b. Malaria
c. Cancer
d. None of the above

ANSWER: Cancer
 
New gene therapy to reduce risk of cancerScientists have discovered a safer gene therapy to reduce the risk of cancer which can be used for many blood diseases.
  • Researchers have identified a means to reduce the development of cancer cells that are as infrequent, but a dangerous byproduct of gene therapy.
  • The findings in stem cell gene therapy aims to target a life threatening immunodeficiency in newborns called SCID-XI also known as the "Boy in the Bubble Syndrome".
  • The vector being used by the researchers was developed from foamy retrovirus so named as it foams in certain situations.
  • Unlike retroviruses, it does not infect humans.
  • The retrovirus is also prone to activate nearby genes, including genes causing cancer.
  • Retroviruses are a natural option for gene therapy as they insert the genes into the genome of the host.

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