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Enhancing adult human DNA whilst alive (DNA change whilst alive)?

I am familiar with such terms as somatic gene therapy and germ line gene therapy.

Now, is it theoretically possible to enhance one's DNA whilst they're alive (hence the benefits will be felt soon) via one of the above (preferably the latter, as not only would the adult retain the enhancements, but so too would his offspring).

So, for example, could you change/enhance something in his DNA that will give him more efficient/stronger/powerful muscles or musculoskeletal system?

How can this be done?

Thoughts?

Reply 1

student2578

Hrmmm.. Somatic gene therapy, as I understand it is the only option you provided that, if all the cells in the body, including cells of the testis were infected with say a retrovirus that inserted the new segment of "enhanced DNA' into the person's genome would result in both the patient and his/ her offspring in acquiring the improvement.

Germ line therapy would not provide the improvement for the current patient, only his/ her offspring.

Somatic gene therapy would cure the patient but not their children... perhaps a combination of both techniques would be the optimum?