The Different Types, Forms and Ways of Carrying Out Gene Therapy
There are TWO TYPES of gene therapy
Somatic Gene Therapy
Germline Therapy
Somatic Gene Therapy
Germline Therapy
The technique of gene therapy was first developed in the 1970s as mentioned in the history blog post
In Biology SOMA means parts of an organism other than the reproductive cells.
Therefore, Somatic Gene Therapy means the transfer of a section of DNA to any cell of the body that doesn't produce sperm or egg. The altered genome would only effects the individual treated and not any offspring, which means the changes is not permanently into the gametes or sex cells.
A Germ Cell is a cell containing half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell and able to unite with one from the opposite sex to form a new individual; a gamete.
Thus, Germline gene therapy is permanently altering and changes the gene inherited by future generations.
In Biology SOMA means parts of an organism other than the reproductive cells.
Therefore, Somatic Gene Therapy means the transfer of a section of DNA to any cell of the body that doesn't produce sperm or egg. The altered genome would only effects the individual treated and not any offspring, which means the changes is not permanently into the gametes or sex cells.
A Germ Cell is a cell containing half the number of chromosomes of a somatic cell and able to unite with one from the opposite sex to form a new individual; a gamete.
Thus, Germline gene therapy is permanently altering and changes the gene inherited by future generations.
Under the two types of gene therapy are the THREE FORMS (Vector Delivery) of gene therapy
In Situ
In Vivo
Ex Vivo
In Situ
In Vivo
Ex Vivo
The most effective form of procedure would be the in IN SITU gene therapy. The procedure is the direct administration of genetic material to the target cells. Unfortunately this procedure has been difficult to ensure that only target cells receive the genetic material. If the genetic material wasn't receive by the target cells, other complex mutation could happen, and this will be further discussed in the Challenges blog post.
IN VIVO gene therapy is by injecting the vector containing genetic material into the fluids of the body. Scientists expect the vector to travels throughout the body until it reaches the target cells.
EX VIVO is performed by removing cells from the body . The cells are then exposed to the vector in the lab, ad reintroduced back into the body. This forms of vector delivery works especially well with undifferentiated stem cells.
IN VIVO gene therapy is by injecting the vector containing genetic material into the fluids of the body. Scientists expect the vector to travels throughout the body until it reaches the target cells.
EX VIVO is performed by removing cells from the body . The cells are then exposed to the vector in the lab, ad reintroduced back into the body. This forms of vector delivery works especially well with undifferentiated stem cells.
Under the three forms of gene therapy are the THREE main techniques for CARRYING OUT gene therapy
Gene Augmentation Therapy
Gene Inhibition Therapy
Killing of a Specific Cells
Gene Augmentation Therapy
Gene Inhibition Therapy
Killing of a Specific Cells
Gene Augmentation Therapy is used to treat disease caused by a mutation that stops a gene from producing a functioning products, such as protein. This therapy adds DNA with the functional version of the lost gene back into the cell. The new gene will then produce a sufficient level of functioning product to replace the originally missing product.
**This is only successful if the effects of the disease are reversible and have not resulted in lasting damage to the body.
**This is only successful if the effects of the disease are reversible and have not resulted in lasting damage to the body.
Gene Inhibition Therapy is suitable for the treatment of inflectional diseases, cancer and inherited disease caused by inappropriate gene activity. The basis of this therapy is to eliminate the activity of a gene that encourages the growth of disease-related cells. For example, cancer is caused by the over production of a mutated cell, so by eliminating the activity of that gene of inserting a block gene, it will precent future mutated cell growth.
The aim is to introduce a gene either Inhibits the expression of another gene or Interferes with the activity of the product of another gene.
Killing of a specific cell is good for diseases such as cancer that can be treated by destroying certain groups of cells. The aim is to insert DNA that can cause cell death. This can be achieved in two ways, Insert a suicide gene or insert a marker gene to let the body's immune system kills it naturally.
**It is extremely important when using this method that the Gene is been insert to the correct target cell.
A Summary of How Gene Therapy are Carried Out
Bibliography
Mandal, A. (2014, January 14). What is Gene Therapy? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Gene-Therapy.aspx
What is gene therapy. (2014, November 16). Retrieved from http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-therapy
Windelspecht, M. (2007). Gene Therapy. In Genetics 101 (pp. 130-141). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.
Mandal, A. (2014, January 14). What is Gene Therapy? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Gene-Therapy.aspx
What is gene therapy. (2014, November 16). Retrieved from http://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-is-gene-therapy
Windelspecht, M. (2007). Gene Therapy. In Genetics 101 (pp. 130-141). Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press.