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

Platyhelminthes - regeneration in invertebrates, Platyhelminthes (Flatworms...

Platyhelminthes (Flatworms) - Regeneration in Invertebrates Between flatworms the turbellarians, (mostly fresh water species and fresh water and terrestrial triclads) routinel

Water logging-water stress, Water Logging Over saturation of soil with ...

Water Logging Over saturation of soil with water is called water logging. If for any reason, the water-table rises close to the ground surface it is bad for plants and soil fer

Define eosin - methylene blue (emb) agar (levine), Define Eosin - Methylene...

Define Eosin - Methylene Blue (EMB) Agar (Levine) Peptone - 10.0 gm Lactose - 5.0 gm Dipotassium - 2.0 gm Hydrogen Phosphate Agar - 13.5 gm Eosin Y - 0.4 gm M

What is the significance of the -r group in amino acid, What is the signifi...

What is the significance of the -R group (variable radical) in an amino acid molecule? The -R group, also known as a lateral chain, is the variable part of the amino acid molec

Genetically modified foods-golden rice, Normal 0 false false ...

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

Air pollutants - effects on plants, Air pollutants - Effects on plants ...

Air pollutants - Effects on plants Particulate matter such as cement, coal, petro coke, dust, and fly-ash screen the light and thus change its quantity and quality. Dust plug

Find out bonding geometry of c, The bonding geometry of C,O,N is determined...

The bonding geometry of C,O,N is determined by- Select one: a. The number of electrons in their outer energy level b. SP3 hybridization of orbitals in the valence shell

What are persistent organic pollutants, Q. What are persistent organic poll...

Q. What are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)? The POPs, or persistent organic pollutants, are toxic substances formed from organic compounds. The POPs are made in several i

Explain the uses of isp in seafood products, Explain the Uses of ISO in Sea...

Explain the Uses of ISO in Seafood products  Seafood products  The most significant application in this category is the use of ISP in fish sausage and surimi based restructu

Explain vegetable dehydration, Explain Vegetable dehydration It reduces...

Explain Vegetable dehydration It reduces the natural water content below the level critical for the growth of microorganisms (12-15%), without being detrimental to important nu

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