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Scientists Reverse Muscular Dystrophy In Dogs
Al writes "Scientists have taken a step toward developing a cure for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by successfully treating the condition in dogs using a novel genetic technique. The scientists used a method called exon skipping, which involves adding a genetic 'patch' to block transcription of a portion of the gene involved in DMD. This puts the remaining genetic sequence back in order, essentially creating a much less severe version of the condition. The scientists recorded some remarkable video footage showing the resulting improvements in several dogs with naturally-occurring DMD. More work is needed before the treatment can be given to humans, however, because DMD sufferers often have different genetic mutations."
Ok, seriously. What could possibly go wrong?
We're talking treating people who are almost certainly going to die anyway with a genetic approach that doesn't have even a theoretical way to spread to other people. The absolute worst thing that could go wrong is that the people being treated die from the treatment. The second worst thing that could happen is that we don't do the treatment and they die anyway; though maybe a bit later.
I'm seriously asking, what do you think could actually go wrong?
Since the fix isn't inherited, this could increase the rate of this disorder in the whole human race. If genetic disorders never select out, a lot more people would become dependent on the treatment in the future. There's a reason why natural selection is important to the survival of a species. In a nutshell: More people who have this disorder will be able to have children and pass it on.
As one diagnosed with Becker's MD, a milder form of DMD, I, for one, welcome my new exon-skipping overlords. For those of you who are wondering if you should go to the gym, run, jog, shoot hoops, or play soccer today. I give you the same advice that I give to my three boys: Run, because you can.
How is this different from eyeglasses/contacts?
If we can fix it, why should it be selected against?
Natural selection is not a force for the survival of a species, it is not some artist or designer. It is merely the natural tendency for some traits to be selected against from environmental pressure. If there is no environmental pressure against the traits they do not get selected against. This is no different than taller growing trees, lack of food at one height, making an incredibly long neck no longer a hindrance. If a cure was invented that means the environment changed and there is no longer a selection pressure against this trait.