Genetics Revolution

Is it right to meddle with our DNA?

A genetic revolution which could transform the face of medical care will be unveiled later today.

That was our main story on Breakfast this morning, as a government White Paper is expected to give the go ahead for an expansion of research into gene therapy.

But there are also likely to be safeguards for those whose DNA marks them out as likely to fall sick,- and restrictions so that DNA samples can't be taken without consent.

We looked at the benefits of genetic therapy - and the pitfalls too.

Cystic Fibrosis. Gene therapy holds the best hope so far for a cure for one of the most common genetically inherited diseases in this country.

Ed Owen and Joanne Hilditch have a one year old daughter, who has been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Until she was born, they'd hardly heard of the disease - and had no idea that they were both carriers.

Ed and Joanne's baby has Cystic Fibrosis

They described the drug and physiotherapy regime they use to help their daughter - but they're aware that most sufferers are expected not to live into their thirties.

Rosie Barnes, who's head of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust explained:

"Gene therapy is our main hope.

"People talk about creating designer babies - they're worried we might try to create a new Mozart or a David Beckham.

"But this is about trying to create a basic, functional mechanism which has gone wrong.

"It's a workaday gene which regulates the amount of mucus in th body. In Cystic Fibrosis, the mucus is too sticky and leads to infections."

Brave new world. We brought together geneticist Dr Frances Flinter, with Agnes Fletcher from the Disability Rights Commission, to discuss whether testing could create a new genetic underclass.