inâ¢iâ¢tial. 1. of, pertaining to, or occurring at the beginning; first: the initial step in a process. 2. an initial letter, as of a word. 3. the first letter of a proper name. 4. a large, often ornamental letter used at the beginning of a chapter or other division of a book or manuscript. 5. to mark or sign with an initial or the initials of one's name, esp. as a token of approval. initiÄlis, derivative of initi(um) beginning, derivative of inÄ«re to enter, begin = in-in- 2 + Ä«re to go]. inâ¢iâ²tialâ¢er, n.
Why Gene Therapy Is Important. Genes that are flawed and do not work properly can cause disease. Gene therapy is a technique for correcting defective genes responsible for disease development. Researchers may use one of several approaches for correcting faulty genes: 1  A normal gene may be inserted into a nonspecific location within the genome to replace a nonfunctional gene. This approach is most common. 2  An abnormal gene could be swapped for a normal gene through homologous recombination. The abnormal gene could be repaired through selective reverse mutation, which returns the gene to its normal function. The regulation (the degree to which a gene is turned on or off) of a particular gene could be altered.
Gene therapy may one day be used to treat, cure, or prevent a variety of genetic disorders. In gene therapy, a type of virus known as a retrovirus is used to replace a defective gene in cells with a new, healthy gene. Scientists insert the healthy gene into the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the retroviruses.These retroviruses are mixed with cells taken from a patient and cultured in a laboratory.n gene therapy, a type of virus known as a retrovirus is used to replace a defective gene in cells with a new, healthy gene. Scientists insert the healthy gene into the ribonucleic acid (RNA) of the retroviruses.