부산대학교 도서관

It is likely that gene therapy will be of most benefit in the single gene disorders that cause severe mental retardation. Reviews published in this issue focus on a number of these disorders in which vector development and preclinical trials or in viva and ex vivo gene therapy are already in progress for urea cycle disorders, Lesch-Nyhan disease, Gaucher disease, and phenylketonuria. On the other hand it is unlikely that gene therapy will hold much promise for the treatment of mild mental retardation which accounts for more than 80% of all cases of mental retardation. Here there is a strong environmental influence and early intervention and educational programs carry significant benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]