Pharmacological gene therapy

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Pharmacological Gene Therapy

Pharmacological gene therapy (pronunciation: /ˌfɑːrməkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl dʒiːn θɛrəpi/) is a branch of medical science that involves the use of genetic engineering techniques to treat or prevent diseases.

Etymology

The term "pharmacological" is derived from the Greek words "pharmakon" meaning "drug" and "logia" meaning "study". "Gene therapy" is a term that was first used in the late 20th century, referring to the process of treating diseases by modifying the genes in a patient's cells.

Overview

Pharmacological gene therapy involves the introduction, removal, or alteration of genetic material within a person's cells to treat or prevent disease. This field combines the principles of pharmacology and genetics to develop effective and safe treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.

Techniques

There are two main types of pharmacological gene therapy: ex vivo gene therapy and in vivo gene therapy. In ex vivo gene therapy, cells are removed from a patient, genetically modified, and then returned to the patient. In in vivo gene therapy, genes are changed in cells still in the body.

Related Terms

  • Gene: The basic physical and functional unit of heredity.
  • Therapy: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
  • Pharmacology: The branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and modes of action of drugs.
  • Genetic Engineering: The deliberate modification of the characteristics of an organism by manipulating its genetic material.

See Also

External links

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