From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Thu Apr 24 2003 - 10:55:52 MDT
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/04/030424084706.htm
<<
MDA Scientists Destroy Flaws In Cells; Muscular Dystrophy Advance May Apply
To Other Disorders
TUCSON, Ariz., April 22, 2003 — Scientists funded by the Muscular Dystrophy
Association have successfully destroyed genetic material that carries
disease-causing flaws (mutations), with minimal damage to normal cellular
structures.
A three-country research team deleted excess genetic material in human cells
harboring the mutation that causes type 1 myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD1).
Most “gene therapy” strategies have focused on adding, rather than
subtracting, genetic material.
The ability to target and destroy specific genetic material may have
implications for other diseases, including a second form of myotonic
dystrophy, some other muscular dystrophies and some genetic forms of
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). It may also have
relevance to cancer.
The technique applies to genetically dominant diseases (those that can be
inherited from one parent). In dominant disorders, the flaw generally results
from the presence of something harmful in the genetic code, rather than
something missing. >>
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