Somatic and germline gene therapy, Biology

Assignment Help:

All the cells present in the body contain genes and an approach targeted to modulate the expression of genes is known as gene therapy. This novel approach has emerged by the end of 20th century and comes up with a promise of treating a large number of genetic disorders by ultimately modifying the gene expression (Jin et al, 2008). The two forms of gene therapy are somatic and germ line.

Somatic gene therapy: During this therapeutic approach, the genetic diseases are treated by inserting recombinant genes into non-reproductive or somatic cells. This kind of approach is limited to the patient and does not get transmitted to the future generations of. A normal copy of the malfunctioning gene is inserted into the mutant cells due to which an improvement in the disease phenotype is observed (Dorin, 1996). In the recent past, this technique has been found to be successful in case of familial hypercholesterolaemia and adenosine deaminase deficiency. For treating these disorders hepatocytes and T cells have been used for gene transfer respectively (Dorin, 1996). It has also shown significant success in case of cystic fibrosis and cancer. Various vehicles, like viral and non viral vectors help in the introduction of the genetic material into the mutated cells (Elias and Annas, N.D). This therapeutic approach is categorized into three sections:

  • ex vivo - The genetic engineering of the cell is done outside the body and finally the cells are returned to the body. (Ex: blood cells)
  • in situ - The cells of the affected tissues are directly transfected with vectors carrying genetic material. (Ex. Tissues of the respiratory tract)
  • in vivo - The vector is directly injected into the blood stream and this method is still in the developmental stages (Anderson, N.D).

However this approach produces short term results as the tissues die and get replaced with other cells.


Related Discussions:- Somatic and germline gene therapy

What are the characteristics of soil, What are the characteristic of Soil ...

What are the characteristic of Soil It is commonly conceived as a plane at right angles to the surface. The upper part of a soil profile above the parent material in which proc

Palynofossils (microfossils), Palynofossil s (Microfossils) - Fossils ...

Palynofossil s (Microfossils) - Fossils of planktons, diatoms, unicellular algae (diatoms) and shelled protozoans. (Heliozoans, Radiolarian and Foraminifera). Its finding in s

How does the contraceptive diaphragm work, Q. How does the contraceptive di...

Q. How does the contraceptive diaphragm work? What are the limitations of this contraceptive method? The contraceptive diaphragm is an artifact made of plastic or latex that wh

What are the properties of titanium, What are the Properties of titanium ...

What are the Properties of titanium Titanium has several favourable properties like low specific gravity with a density of 4.5 gm/cm 3 , high heat resistance and high strength

Proteins of animal origin - shell fish, Proteins of Animal Origin - Shell F...

Proteins of Animal Origin - Shell Fish Shell Fish: Information on shellfish is fragmentary and incomplete. In shell fish, the shell comprises of a large portion of live weight

Determine the surgical phase of implant therapy, Stage I Surgical phase ...

Stage I Surgical phase Implant placed in the maxilla or mandible After 7 days: - Sutures resorbs or are removed - Patient may be allowed to wear his/her former denture

What do you mean by st hystersis, Q. What do you mean by ST Hystersis? ...

Q. What do you mean by ST Hystersis? Ans. The rate of recovery of ST depression has been recognized as a measure of ischaemia severity for many years. When comparing the m

Energy demand for vigorous or vigorously active lifestyles, Determine Energ...

Determine Energy demand for Vigorous or vigorously active lifestyles? These people engage regularly in strenuous work or in strenuous leisure activities for several hours. Exam

Influence of lv function, Influence of LV Function :  LV functions, whethe...

Influence of LV Function :  LV functions, whether normal or impaired is important while selecting a patient for CABG and for long-term results of surgical revascularisation. If le

Evolution and growth of sports nutrition as a discipline, Define Evolution ...

Define Evolution and Growth of Sports Nutrition as a Discipline? An academic discipline is basically a formal body of knowledge discovered, developed, and disseminated through

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd