Question

Why are polygenic diseases less suited to gene therapy?

Answer 1

Answer:

Polygenic therapies are more likely to show unintended effects in other regions of the genome likely resulting in harmful diseases.

Explanation:

Gene therapy involves biotechnological techniques that add or remove gene sequences in the genome. These are typically used in eliminating harmful genes that cause genetic diseases or disorders and are generally thought to improve an individual's quality of life.

Polygenic traits are controlled by several genes. Similarly, polygenic diseases may be caused by variations in several gene sequences. These include hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes. Polygenic therapies are more likely to show unintended effects in other regions of the genome, leading to other deleterious disease-causing effects.