Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against Sickle – Cell Disease

Abstract

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder which is characterized by presence of abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) allele along with a second allele that can cause polymerization of such abnormal molecule. The state arises due to a genetic mutation that distorts red blood cells into sickle shaped. Sickle cells block red blood cells from passing through the blood vessels and prevent the supply of oxygen that results into severe complications like anemia, hypertension and organ failure