Gene therapy and tissue engineering.

Gene therapy, the science of altering cellular function or structure at a molecular level, is currently one of the most exciting fields of research across medical specialties. By replacing lost or defective genes or adding genes known to produce proteins with beneficial effects, investigators hope to treat and possibly cure everything from inborn errors of metabolism to acquired diseases, such as emphysema and atherosclerosis. Genetic modification of engineered tissue, the offspring of these two fields, offers the promise of not simply replacing tissue, but improving on the restoration. The studies presented in this article demonstrate many of the principles that form the basis of gene therapy and provide insight into the potential of this emerging technology.