What are the main applications of gene editing in medicine?

Gene editing has several promising applications in medicine, including:

1. Treatment of Genetic Disorders: Correcting mutations that cause diseases like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.

2. Cancer Therapy: Modifying immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively, such as in CAR-T cell therapy.

3. Infectious Disease Control: Targeting and modifying genes of pathogens, like HIV, to render them harmless or eliminate them from the body.

4. Regenerative Medicine: Editing genes to promote the growth of new tissues or organs, potentially helping to treat conditions like heart disease or spinal cord injuries.

5. Pharmacogenomics: Tailoring medical treatments based on an individual's genetic makeup, enhancing drug efficacy and reducing adverse effects.

6. Preventive Medicine: Editing genes in embryos to prevent hereditary diseases before birth (though this application raises significant ethical concerns).