What is a genetic disease?

Some genetic diseases are caused by a malfunctioning or missing gene or genes. Genes are made up of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and come in pairs, one from each parent. Genes store the code—the information and instructions—the body needs to make proteins. Nearly every function of the body is made possible by proteins. When a piece of DNA is missing or changed, it can alter protein production. The protein may no longer be able to carry out its normal function. So even if a single protein is missing, in short supply, or made wrong, the effect on the body can be harmful.

A genetic disease can be passed down from one or both parents or can be a result of random errors in the body’s genes.

How can gene therapy help?

Gene therapy is an evolving strategy for disorders caused by a missing or faulty gene and may involve addition, inhibition, editing, or functional replacement of a gene.

Gene therapies can be one-time treatments and are designed to target the genetic root cause of diseases.

Types of gene therapy

When a gene is altered or missing, the supply of an important protein can be affected, causing disease.

Gene replacement

Gene replacement uses a new, working gene to replace the function of a nonworking or missing gene. This gene then provides the instructions for the body to make the missing or insufficient protein.

Learn more about gene replacement