what is gene therapy?
96827
unlike conventional pharmaceutical treatments... which address the manifestation of disease or illness, i.e., symptoms, gene therapy is a potential permanent therapy or cure. \n\nthink about taking daily doses of insulin to treat diabetes or the drug lipitor to lower cholesterol levels... whether its a natural biological product (insulin) or a chemical compound, a patient needs to intake these drugs because they can not be manufactured in the body.\n\nwhat if instead of taking manufactured insulin, you were able to restore the body's natural ability to produce insulin by transfering the insuling gene with a subset of cells or the appropriate organ... you'd end up with a lifetime therapy... not a short term treatment.\n\nI participated in the first ever human clinical gene therapy trials at the NIH... it was to treat a girl with ADA (adenosine de-aminase) deficiency... essentially an immune suppression that leads to the 'boy in the bubble' syndrome where the person is ultra hypersensitive to external antigens. \n\nsome of the challenges and issues then still remain and some are advanced...  gene identification, gene cassette construction, gene transfer, gene expression, longevity, immune rejection, \n\ngene identification - with the completion of the human genome project, many more genes have been identified and available to be used as a cure... \n\ngene cassettes - the genes need to be engineered to produce the appropriate gene product (protein) within the body...\n\ngene transfer - the gene needs to be transfered from outside the body (ex vivo) to the appropriate organ in the body... engineered (think neutered) viruses serve as vehicles to carry the genes... they are further engineered to target specific organs or cells... e.g., liver, T-cells... pros & cons with different viruses exist, e.g., size, infection rate, immune reactivity, etc...\n\ngene expression - once the gene arrives at the desired location, it has to borrow the cells machinery to produce the proteins... the delivered gene can be express transiently or more permanently... usually when its transient, it requires on-going treatment (... not desirable)... but in order to establish a permanent footprint in the DNA, it must be careful not to cause insertional mutagenesis (get stuck in the middle of an essesntial gene and cause untoward damage)\n\nimmune rejection - colds are caused by viruses... viruses are used as gene transfer vehicles... the body tries to fight off a cold... the body tries to fight off the gene transfer vehicles... a severe inflammatory reaction to a gene transfer event can lead to death...\n\nbesides the technical difficulties, there are ethical, legal, social implications (ELSI) associated with gene therapy... so far gene therapy has been discussed in terms of somatic cell thereapy (adult body cells), not germ line therapy (sperm or egg)... it's one thing to affect a single person, but if you make changes to a sperm or egg, then there is the potential now to pass along the changes to the next generation... \n\ngene therapy, much like other advances in biotech/medicine, was overhyped in its early days... the promise of a cure for intractable diseases raised hopes for patients (and investor)... because the expectations were so high the initial results failed to meet them, but continued progress in this area occurrs each year and soon I believe we will realize the full promise of gene therapy.
541442
Applications of Genetic ENGINEERING\n\nThe first Genetically Engineered drug was human insulin approved by the USA's FDA in 1982 [1]. Another early application of GE was to create human growth hormone as replacement for a drug that was previously extracted from human cadavers. In 1986 the FDA approved the first genetically engineered vaccine for humans, for hepatitis B[2]. Since these early uses of the technology in medicine the use of the GE has expanded to supply many drugs and vaccines.\n\nOne of the best known applications of genetic engineering is that of the creation of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).\n\nThere are potentially momentous biotechnological applications of GM, for example oral vaccines produced naturally in fruit, at very low cost.\n\nA radical ambition of some groups is human enhancement via genetics, eventually by molecular engineering. See also: transhumanism.\n\nDNA sequencing is a technique which is used to identify each base in DNA. Although the costs of DNA sequencing has dropped dramatically, the NIH estimates it costs at least $10 million to sequence 3 billion base pairs [3] - the size of the whole human genome.\n\n[edit]\nGenetic Engineering and Research\nAlthough there has been a tremendous revolution in the biological sciences in the past twenty years, there is still a great deal that remains to be discovered. The completion of the sequencing of the human genome, as well as the genomes of most agriculturally and scientifically important plants and animals, has increased the possibilities of genetic research immeasurably. Expedient and inexpensive access to comprehensive genetic data has become a reality, with billions of sequenced nucleotides already online and annotated. Now that the rapid sequencing of arbitrarily large genomes has become a simple, if not trivial affair, a much greater challenge will be elucidating function of the extraordinarily complex web of interacting proteins, dubbed the proteome, that constitutes and powers all living things. Genetic engineering has become the gold standard in protein research, and major research progress has been made using a wide variety of techniques, including:\n\nLoss of function, such as in a knockout experiment, in which an organism is engineered to lack the activity of one or more genes. This allows the experimenter to analyze the defects caused by this mutation, and can be considerably useful in unearthing the function of a gene. It is used especially frequently in developmental biology. A knockout experiment involves the creation and manipulation of a DNA construct in vitro, which, in a simple knockout, consists of a copy of the desired gene which has been slightly altered such as to cripple its function. The construct is then taken up by embryonic stem cells, where the engineered copy of the gene replaces the organism's own gene. These stem cells are injected into blastocysts, which are implanted into surrogate mothers. Another method, useful in organisms such as Drosophila (fruit fly), is to induce mutations in a large population and then screen the progeny for the desired mutation. A similar process can be used in both plants and prokaryotes. \nGain of function experiments, the logical counterpart of knockouts. These are sometimes performed in conjunction with knockout experiments to more finely establish the function of the desired gene. The process is much the same as that in knockout engineering, except that the construct is designed to increase the function of the gene, usually by providing extra copies of the gene or attracting more frequent transcription. \n'Tracking' experiments, which seek to gain information about the localization and interaction of the desired protein. One way to do this is to replace the wild-type gene with a 'fusion' gene, which is a juxtaposition of the wild-type gene with a reporting element such as Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) that will allow easy visualization of the products
61916
The only thing I've used it for is to assess whether a target gene was successfully uptaken and expressed in gene transfection, by using a gene that had the GFP gene attached to it.\n\nWikipedia also mentions it being used in the production of biosensors and it is put next to genes in developing organisms to see where and when genes are being expressed.
793760
The genes are said to be "linked."
227543
Direct application of recombinant DNA technology in people has so far been difficult.  The best known therapy is treatment of SCID (severe combined immunodeficiencies), aka 'bubble-boy disease'.  15 of the 16 patients treated responded to the gene therapy.  However, three of the 15 developed a leukemia-like disease, of whom one died.  The first article below gives a thorough, albeit highly technical, look at gene therapy in people.\n\nMore generally, recombinant DNA technology has been extremely useful in developing drugs for a variety of diseases.  Remicade, Anakinra, and Enbrel are useful drugs for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease.  Rituxan is useful for certain lymphomas, a type of cancer.  There are many other examples, these are just a few.
147723
Bacteriophages are visues that infect and kill bacteria. They are used to treat infection and diseases in humans.
341599
Like most advances in technology, it is a double-edged sword, meaning it can be both good and bad. \n\nOn the good side, genetic engineering promises to enhance the quality of life and to extend it to greater lengths.  Cures to most diseases may be solved through genetic engineering.\n\nOn the bad side, it allows for incredibly destuctive tools to be levied against others.  More lethal viruses could be produced, custom tailored to affect only specific people or specific parts of the body.  \n\nThis is just a mere glimpse into the possibility of what genetic engineering has to offer.
393060
The first two answers are both correct, depending on the context.  Disease (including viral) vectors are animals that transmit a disease but do not necessarily get sick themselves.  Malaria and mosquitoes for example.\nViral vectors are commonly referred to now as modified viruses  used in gene therapy.  Viruses that infect the lungs are being used to restore proper lung function in Cystic Fibrosis patients.  I am an environmental health specialist and have a degree in biology.
1139159
Genetic engineering, genetic modification (GM) and gene splicing are terms for the process of manipulating genes, usually outside the organism's normal reproductive process.\n\nIt involves the isolation, manipulation and reintroduction of DNA into cells or model organisms, usually to express a protein. The aim is to introduce new characteristics or attributes physiologically or physically, such as making a crop resistant to a herbicide, introducing a novel trait, or producing a new protein or enzyme. Examples can include the production of human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the production of erythropoietin in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the OncoMouse (cancer mouse) for research, through genetic redesign.\n\nSince a protein is specified by a segment of DNA called a gene, future versions of that protein can be modified by changing the gene's underlying DNA. One way to do this is to isolate the piece of DNA containing the gene, precisely cut the gene out, and then reintroduce (splice) the gene into a different DNA segment. Daniel Nathans and Hamilton Smith received the 1978 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their isolation of restriction endonucleases, which are able to cut DNA at specific sites. Together with ligase, which can join fragments of DNA together, restriction enzymes formed the initial basis of recombinant DNA technology.\n\nGenetic Engineering and Research\n\nAlthough there has been a tremendous revolution in the biological sciences in the past twenty years, there is still a great deal that remains to be discovered. The completion of the sequencing of the human genome, as well as the genomes of most agriculturally and scientifically important plants and animals, has increased the possibilities of genetic research immeasurably. Expedient and inexpensive access to comprehensive genetic data has become a reality, with billions of sequenced nucleotides already online and annotated. Now that the rapid sequencing of arbitrarily large genomes has become a simple, if not trivial affair, a much greater challenge will be elucidating function of the extraordinarily complex web of interacting proteins, dubbed the proteome, that constitutes and powers all living things. Genetic engineering has become the gold standard in protein research, and major research progress has been made using a wide variety of techniques, including:\n\nLoss of function, such as in a knockout experiment, in which an organism is engineered to lack the activity of one or more genes. This allows the experimenter to analyze the defects caused by this mutation, and can be considerably useful in unearthing the function of a gene. It is used especially frequently in developmental biology. A knockout experiment involves the creation and manipulation of a DNA construct in vitro, which, in a simple knockout, consists of a copy of the desired gene which has been slightly altered such as to cripple its function. The construct is then taken up by embryonic stem cells, where the engineered copy of the gene replaces the organism's own gene. These stem cells are injected into blastocysts, which are implanted into surrogate mothers. Another method, useful in organisms such as Drosophila (fruit fly), is to induce mutations in a large population and then screen the progeny for the desired mutation. A similar process can be used in both plants and prokaryotes. \nGain of function experiments, the logical counterpart of knockouts. These are sometimes performed in conjunction with knockout experiments to more finely establish the function of the desired gene. The process is much the same as that in knockout engineering, except that the construct is designed to increase the function of the gene, usually by providing extra copies of the gene or attracting more frequent transcription. \n'Tracking' experiments, which seek to gain information about the localization and interact
454026
Genetic engineering is the manipulation of the DNA of one organism by the introduction of a gene from another organism. After adding the gene, the gene starts functioning normally and we get the desired characteristics we want in that organism.\nThe gene can be introduced by 'carriers' or vectors- like viruses, bacteria or a spray of liposomes.
321294
Yes, viral therapy has been used with limited results.  For example, p53 has been put into a viral vector and injected directly into head and neck tumors (if i recall correctly).  Virii are basically used as shuttles to introduce proteins into cells.  However we can't yet specifically and easily target cancer cells.  So usually this is only for solid tumors that are accessable.  So far this isn't a practicle form of therapy.  See the last ref for this therapy type\n\n\nAlso cancer vaccines are being utilized to prompt an immune response against cancer cells.  Despite decades of work I don't think this is a useful mode of therapy yet.  See the first ref for this therapy type.
732696
also known as gene bank.it is the complete collection of entire genome of an organism in the form of plasmid clones with recombinant dna inserts from the genome of the organism
192964
it depends from which angel u are looking at this?\nif you are sceintist: it is the discovery of the milennium, becoz with DNA structure u can play with gene to cure any disease in the world.\ncreate a genome map,\ncann create a history of genes in an family,\nget to the root of the diseases\nand so on......\nBut if you are conservative: it is useless to talk about.
505328
Transformation\nNucleotides\nBase
122791
Genetic Engineering.\n\nWhich isn't around yet, so you're stuck with what you have.
1174751
Biotechnology is a technology based on biology, especially when used in agriculture, food science, and medicine.\n\nOf the many different definitions available, the one formulated by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity is one of the broadest:\n\n"Biotechnology means any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use." (Article 2. Use of Terms) \nBiotechnology can also be defined as the manipulation of organisms to do practical things and to provide useful products.\n\nOne section of biotechnology is the directed use of organisms for the manufacture of organic products (examples include beer, milk products, and skin). Naturally present bacteria are utilized by the mining industry in bioleaching. Biotechnology is also used to recycle, treat waste, clean up sites contaminated by industrial activities (bioremediation), and produce biological weapons.
1071890
Biotechnology is being used to address problems in all areas of agricultural production and processing. This includes plant breeding to raise and stabilize yields; to improve resistance to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses such as drought and cold; and to enhance the nutritional content of foods. Biotechnology is being used to develop low-cost disease-free planting materials for crops such as cassava, banana and potato and is creating new tools for the diagnosis and treatment of plant and animal diseases and for the measurement and conservation of genetic resources. Biotechnology is being used to speed up breeding programmes for plants, livestock and fish and to extend the range of traits that can be addressed. Animal feeds and feeding practices are being changed by biotechnology to improve animal nutrition and to reduce environmental waste. Biotechnology is used in disease diagnostics and for the production of vaccines against animal diseases.\n\nClearly, biotechnology is more than genetic engineering. Indeed, some of the least controversial aspects of agricultural biotechnology are potentially the most powerful and the most beneficial for the poor. Genomics, for example, is revolutionizing our understanding of the ways genes, cells, organisms and ecosystems function and is opening new horizons for marker-assisted breeding and genetic resource management. At the same time, genetic engineering is a very powerful tool whose role should be carefully evaluated. It is important to understand how biotechnology - particularly genetic engineering - complements and extends other approaches if sensible decisions are to be made about its use.\n\nThis chapter provides a brief description of current and emerging uses of biotechnology in crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry with a view to understanding the technologies themselves and the ways they complement and extend other approaches. It should be emphasized that the tools of biotechnology are just that: tools, not ends in themselves. As with any tool, they must be assessed within the context in which they are being used.