Final answer:
The process described in the question is an example of gene therapy, a type of genetic engineering aimed at curing genetic disorders by inserting normal genes into patient cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process described is a manifestation of gene therapy, a revolutionary genetic engineering technique designed to treat or cure genetic disorders by introducing functional genes into cells harboring defective ones. Specifically, the outlined procedure aligns with ex vivo gene therapy, a variant where the therapeutic intervention occurs outside the patient's body.
In ex vivo gene therapy, somatic cells are extracted from the patient. These cells are then cultured and subjected to genetic modification through the introduction of a normal gene. This corrective gene is typically carried by a vector, a carrier often derived from viruses or other delivery systems. After transfection with the vector containing the functional gene, the cells are meticulously screened to identify those successfully integrated with the corrective genetic material.
Following this selection process, the genetically modified cells, now known as recombinant cells, are reintroduced into the patient's body. Once inside, these cells can produce the deficient protein or perform the missing function that the defective gene failed to carry out. This therapeutic approach holds significant promise for treating various genetic disorders, including but not limited to Gaucher disease, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia.
Ex vivo gene therapy offers a tailored and targeted solution by addressing the root cause of genetic disorders at the cellular level. While this approach is still advancing through ongoing research and clinical trials, it represents a hopeful avenue for the development of more effective treatments for a range of genetic diseases, potentially transforming the landscape of personalized medicine.