What is it meant by the term gene therapy?

Gene therapy involves altering a gene's function or introducing foreign genetic material into cells to treat or prevent genetic disorders or other diseases. It aims to correct or replace defective genes, repair faulty proteins, or add new functions to cells, thereby restoring or improving their function. Gene therapy approaches vary and may include replacing mutated genes, introducing functional copies of genes, suppressing the expression of harmful genes, or modifying gene regulatory elements. Its potential extends beyond genetic disorders to treating diseases like cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders by targeting the underlying genetic causes. Ethical and safety considerations, along with ongoing research and advancements, are crucial in the field of gene therapy.