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

Why is the occurrence of eyelids in amphibians, Why is the occurrence of ey...

Why is the occurrence of eyelids in amphibians in comparison to their absence in fishes and adaptation to terrestrial life? Eyelids associated to lacrimal glands protect and ke

What is ionic bonds, What is Ionic bonds ? Ionic Bonds :  Ionic bonds...

What is Ionic bonds ? Ionic Bonds :  Ionic bonds hold atoms together in crystals. They form when oppositely charged atoms, or ions, join (opposite charges attract) to equaliz

Cleft grafting, Cleft grafting  The stem of the stock is cut across....

Cleft grafting  The stem of the stock is cut across. A 'V' shaped insertion is made at the end of the stock. The scion is cut in shape. The scion is inserted into the 'V'

Define supplementary feeding to control under nutrition, Define Supplementa...

Define Supplementary feeding to control under nutrition? Supplementary feeding has remained an important component to control under nutrition. Considering the dietary inadequac

Show types of hiatus hernia, Q. Show types of hiatus hernia? Depending ...

Q. Show types of hiatus hernia? Depending on the extent of herniation and placement of stomach, it could be of two types: 1, Para Oesophageal Hernia (oesophagus is in normal

Dietary fibre requirement during diabetes, Q. Dietary Fibre requirement dur...

Q. Dietary Fibre requirement during diabetes? Dietary fibre is that part of food which is not digested by the intestines. High fibre meals have shown to give the best glycemic

Human body, how nerve signals are transmitted

how nerve signals are transmitted

Evolutionary innovation presented by nematodes, Q. What is the major evolut...

Q. What is the major evolutionary innovation presented by nematodes? What is the benefits of that innovation? The major evolutionary innovation of nematodes is the complete dig

Rituals , Rituals: The social life of  the earliest human groups or tri...

Rituals: The social life of  the earliest human groups or tribes revolved around food gathering. To begin with, they must have collected anything they could eat-seeds,  nuts, f

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