Can DNA be changed to prevent genetic disorders?

Question

if an unborn baby has cystic fibrosis can it's DNA be changed to prevent the disorder

Answer 1

I did a project on RNA interference a few years ago that inhibits a gene from expressing itself. That might be what you're looking for.

Take a look:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/...

Also, DNA can be altered by environmental factors, but that takes years. There can be big differences between identical twins you know. One can develop cancer, or a disease, while another one just doesn't. It's how we expose and suppress our bodies.

Answer 2

At this point, the answer is no.  As we learn more about the human genome, we may get to a point where a baby's genetic information can be changed.  Maybe we could even manipulate the genetic information in the germ cells before fertilization even occurs.  Manipulating genetic information is called gene therapy.  But even if this technology does become possible, it raises a myriad of ethical questions, so its availability will be prolonged even further.  It may never happen in our lifetimes.

Answer 3

Not quite yet.  But there is a way to insert genes that may correct the disorder.  One way is to insert a gene into a retrovirus and infect the unborn baby with it.  The retrovirus will incorporate its own DNA into the unborn child's and consequently a gene of interest.

There are tons of problems with this though.  First you have to ensure that the virus doesn't harm the child, but at the same time you want the virus to infect as many cells as possible.

Answer 4

No, not yet.  There is genetic testing for parents to be to be screened to find out if they carry the gene responsible and what the chances would be of having a baby with that disorder.  Science is working on it but has yet to perfect it, and the Fda hasn't approved any treatments for unborn babies either.