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Finding a Cure
Methods: -to produce a drug to change the gene -to replace the defective gene Difficulties: -producing drug that works only on CF gene -getting normal gene into the right location How long will it take? -several more years |
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Researchers are also using Tsui’s discovery to find a cure for cystic fibrosis. They are working to produce a drug that will change the activity of the CF gene. They are also attempting to replace the defective gene with one that functions properly. Such work, however, is not easy. It is difficult to produce a drug that changes the CF gene, but does not affect the 100,000 other genes in a pair of human chromosomes. Equally challenging is the job of placing a new gene into the right cell in the right location.
It may be several more years before scientists find a cure for CF. However, Lap-Chee Tsui’s discovery has at least given victims of the disease hope for the future. |
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