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Scientists identifies gene ‘CSA6’

  • Posted By
    10Pointer
  • Categories
    Science & Technology
  • Published
    27th Aug, 2022

Context

Scientists have identified a gene called CSA6. This gene can hold the key to prevent fungal infection Candidiasis.

What is CSA6?

  • CSA6 is a gene identified in Candida albicans, a fungal species infamous for causing high rates of morbidity and mortality under certain immuno-compromised conditions such as AIDS or during cancer treatment. 
  • This gene can hold the key to prevent the fungal infection Candidiasis which often affects intensive-care unit(ICU) patients, cancer patients and patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

What is gene therapy?

  • Gene therapy is a medical approach that treats or prevents disease by correcting the underlying genetic problem. 
  • Gene therapy techniques allow doctors to treat a disorder by altering a person’s genetic makeup instead of using drugs or surgery.
  • The earliest method of gene therapy, often called gene transfer or gene addition, was developed to:
    • Introduce a new gene into cells to help fight a disease.
    • Introduce a non-faulty copy of a gene to stand in for the altered copy causing disease.
  • Gene therapies are being used to treat a small number of diseases, including an eye disorder called Leber congenital amaurosis and a muscle disorder called spinal muscular atrophy.
  • Many more gene therapies are undergoing research to make sure that they will be safe and effective. 

Verifying, please be patient.

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