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

#title a&p, list all of the parts of a generalized cell that might be invol...

list all of the parts of a generalized cell that might be involved support movement coordination respiration digestion transportation excr production making proteins and reproducti

Biologyical problem, Ask question #Minimum 100 hhejejhjehjwords accepted#

Ask question #Minimum 100 hhejejhjehjwords accepted#

Reproduction, some infomations about reproduction

some infomations about reproduction

How do the availability of water and light affect population, How do the av...

How do the availability of water and light and the climate affect the growth of a population? The availability of water and light and the climate are abiotic factors that limi

Define endocrine or hormonal disorders - reproductive tract, Define Endocri...

Define Endocrine or Hormonal Disorders affect the Reproductive Tract Endocrine or hormonal disorders can affect several aspects of reproduction, from menstruation to fertility.

What is Implant Failure, What is Implant Failure Implant Failure : Th...

What is Implant Failure Implant Failure : The total failure of implant to fulfil its purpose which are49 Surgical Complications, Long Term Implant Failures and Ma

What are the four types of weak bonds, What are the four types of weak bond...

What are the four types of weak bonds, and how do they differ from each other and from covalent bonds?

What is exposure assessment, What is Exposure Assessment Exposure Asse...

What is Exposure Assessment Exposure Assessment :  The qualitative and quantitative evaluation  of the  degree  of  intake likely  to occur.

Female reproductive system - fallopian tube, F ALLOPIAN TUBE - Ferti...

F ALLOPIAN TUBE - Fertilisation occur in it. 10-12 cm long muscular tube. It is supported by double fold of peritonium. It shows 4 regions - (i ) Infundibulum - Bro

Why is the cleavage in mammals as simple homoplastic, Why do the sons of a ...

Why do the sons of a haemophiliac father never vary from this trait? Why is the cleavage in mammals referred as simple homoplastic?

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