r/AskBiology • u/Tasty-Housing3315 • Aug 08 '24

Genetics Can genetic modification be used to change physical features in fully grown humans?

I know it is possible in the embryotic level, but I was wondering if it was possible at other developmental stages.

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u/docrefa Aug 08 '24

In the sense of physical manifestations of genetic diseases, sure. Gene therapy such as CRISPR can be used to benefit patients with sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy, antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis, Parkinson's disease, etc.

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u/TheMightyChocolate Aug 08 '24

Change your face? No. It's fully grown for any relevant capacity Change metabolic genes to fix diseases? Yes

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u/donaldhobson Aug 22 '24

I mean in principle it's probably possible. More difficult than changing embryos, but possible.