Principles of and strategies for germline gene therapy

Nat Med. 2019 Jun;25(6):890-897. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0473-8. Epub 2019 Jun 3.

Abstract

Monogenic disorders occur at a high frequency in human populations and are commonly inherited through the germline. Unfortunately, once the mutation has been transmitted to a child, only limited treatment options are available in most cases. However, means of correcting disease-causing nuclear and mitochondrial DNA mutations in gametes or preimplantation embryos have now been developed and are commonly referred to as germline gene therapy (GGT). We will discuss these novel strategies and provide a path forward for safe, high-efficiency GGT that may provide a promising new paradigm for preventing the passage of deleterious genes from parent to child.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • DNA Repair
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Gene Conversion
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / genetics*
  • Genetic Diseases, Inborn / therapy*
  • Genetic Therapy / ethics
  • Genetic Therapy / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Preimplantation Diagnosis
  • Safety

Substances

  • DNA, Mitochondrial