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Volume 6 Issue 9 (September) 2017

Original Articles

Gene Therapy for Inherited Skin Disorder
Ragu Ram Reddy, Neena Kondapally

Objective: To assess the efficacy, safety, and translational potential of gene therapy for inherited skin disorders, particularly epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Methodology: This study aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and translational potential of gene therapy for inherited skin disorders, particularly epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and related genodermatoses. A total of 50 participants, aged between 5 and 50, diagnosed with hereditary skin conditions were included. The study focused on individuals with confirmed genetic mutations in genes such as COL7A1 and LAMB3, among others. Participants underwent various gene therapy interventions, including viral and non-viral gene delivery, genome editing, and exon skipping. Data collection involved clinical evaluations, genetic testing, and skin biopsies, followed by in vitro cell culture and treatment administration. Follow-up assessments were performed to gauge the effectiveness and safety of these interventions over time. Results: The gene therapy approaches implemented were diverse, targeting the specific genetic mutations associated with different genodermatoses. The viral vector-mediated gene addition and non-viral plasmid delivery techniques showed promising results in treating conditions like recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), with improvements in skin integrity and a reduction in blistering. Genome editing tools, including CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN, provided promising results in addressing mutations at the molecular level, particularly in keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Additionally, approaches like exon skipping and PTC readthrough demonstrated potential in ameliorating disease symptoms. Some participants exhibited spontaneous genetic rectification through revertant mosaicism, leading to observable skin improvements. The study highlighted the personalized nature of gene therapy and its effectiveness in tailoring treatments to specific genetic defects. Conclusion: The findings of this study supported the feasibility and potential of gene therapy for treating inherited skin disorders, particularly epidermolysis bullosa. While challenges such as immunogenicity, cell rejection, and molecular correction persist, the results demonstrated significant therapeutic promise. This research marked a pivotal step in the development of targeted gene therapies for genodermatoses, offering hope for improved patient outcomes. Continued advancements in gene therapy technologies, such as viral vector optimization and genome editing, could provide more effective and long-lasting treatments for individuals affected by these debilitating skin conditions.

 
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