Advancements in Neurological Gene Therapy

Authors: Bhavana U* and Vaishnavi P

DOI: 10.23880/artoa-16000119

Volume 7, Issue 1

Abstract

Neurological disorders can be extremely harmful and affect a large portion of the population, with the elderly being particularly susceptible. Gene mutations that cause aberrant development of the nervous system, neurodegeneration, or reduced neuronal function are frequently the origin of these disorders. Genetic and epigenetic alterations induced by environmental stressors, trauma, illness-related events, or inflammatory processes are additional causes of neurological disorders. The use of conventional medicine and surgery to treat or cure certain illnesses has not shown to be successful, as there are either no suitable medications available or not enough of them to stop the disease's progression. Gene therapy is becoming a more potent method that may be able to treat and even cure some of the most prevalent nervous system illnesses. Advances in the design of gene vectors, therapeutic gene selection, and delivery techniques, along with a better knowledge of the underlying disease mechanisms—particularly those involving sensory neurons—have made gene therapy for neurological illnesses feasible. Developments in the field restored our hope for neurologists, ophthalmologists, and neurosurgeons to utilise gene therapy as a therapeutic option. In this Review, we address the prospects for further advancements in gene therapy development as well as the prospective gene therapy procedures that may be used to treat patients with neurological illnesses.

Keywords: Gene Therapy; Nervous System; Brain Cells; Blood–Brain Barrier

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