Prospects for Gene Insertion Therapy in Early Life

The deliberate insertion of specific DNA sequences into a person’s genome to alter the way his body functions is the recombinant DNA technique that comes closest to the popular concept of genetic engineering. It is also the prospect that has engendered the most extreme reactions from some members of the public. The scientists and clinicans working on these projects tend to be either hailed as the new stars of medicine — the gene doctors — who will neatly cure genetic diseases by replacing harmful genes, or they are regarded as a monstrous threat to society. In this contribution I indicate why some of the wilder misconceptions may have arisen, as well as putting the future contribution of gene therapy into some general perspective with respect to all the clinical services being developed to help families afflicted with serious genetic disease.