Gene therapy in perspective
Article Abstract:
The use of molecular biological techniques has allowed advancement in the understanding of many diseases. The genes involved in disorders caused by a single gene, such as muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, have been characterized, and the protein products of these genes have been identified. The mutations (genetic changes) in certain cancers have been identified and several agents of potential or proven clinical use have been developed. It was hoped that, once identified, these genes could some day be used for gene therapy; new genes would be introduced into humans, correcting the genetic defect. Time has passed, but it is still not known when genetic treatment will be available. The initial work using gene therapy was conducted on diseases that affect precursor blood cells found in the bone marrow, known as hematopoietic stem cells. A protocol for human gene transfer has been recently accepted by the Human Gene Therapy Subcommittee of the National Institute of Health. One of the reasons it has taken so long for gene therapy to be implemented is that the technology is not completely developed. Problems that have been encountered include: the design of genetically engineered viruses that are used to transfer the gene for treatment; the low expression of the gene in the hematopoietic stem cells; and the fact that expression of the gene in these cells occurs for only short periods of time. Treatments other than gene therapy already exist for diseases that affect precursor blood cells. Therefore, decisions on which type of treatment should be used will depend on the benefits and costs of each treatment. The initial studies of gene therapy in precursor blood cells are critical for the use of gene therapy to treat other diseases. Recently, genes have been transferred to other type of cells including skin, liver, cells that surround blood vessels, and fibroblasts (cells that make up connective tissue). The effectiveness and safety of these procedures must be thoroughly worked out in animals before they are used in humans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1991
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Hiding messages in DNA microdots
Article Abstract:
A DNA-based, doubly steganographic method for sending secret messages has been developed. The DNA-encoded message is camouflaged within the human genomic DNA and confined to a microdot. Preliminary experiments showed that microdots containing 100 copies of secret-message DNA per human haploid genome, attached to full stops in a printed letter and posted through the US mail, resulted in correct PCR amplification product.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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