Time to Learn about the Technological Side of Gene Therapy
From a technological standpoint, Gene Therapy is one biotechnological breakthrough that does not require many devices. On this page, you can learn about the devices that are used.
Genetic Constructs
A genetic construct is a unit that is necessary for a gene to transfer DNA in a cell. This can include the promoter and regulators essential to its expression and regulation in the receiving cell. In the therapeutic methods of genetic constructs, there are two different types of constructs that can be used. Each one has its own functions, however, that prove themselves useful. In one type of construct, it is required to be inserted into the host organism’s genome in order to be replicated and expressed properly. In the other type, the prime function is to act as an additional chromosome.
Liposome-mediated transfers
There has been huge progress made in the development of procedures for liposome mediation. The liposomes aid in targeting and delivering contents to the human body. The broad flexibility in the design of the structure and composition of liposomes, suggest that liposome technology is now poised to be utilized in the creation of custom-designed cell-type-specific gene transfer vehicles. These liposomes are coated in proteins. These proteins are identified by certain and specific receptors that are located on the surfaced of the targeted cell type. The way the proteins are coated initiates the receptors the information of uptake of the liposome by the target cell. This then releases the contents of the liposome into the cytoplasm of the cell.
Viral Vectors
Viral vectors are a device that is crucial to the therapeutic process. These could possibly considered as the "delivery trucks" of the new gene. Using a vector, the new gene can be easily inserted into a cell. The virus used is generally the one that seems to be "the troublemaker", causing the disease that the patient suffers from. Once altered, the viruses that will not cause harm to the body after it is administered. The virus then serves its purpose and carries the genetically altered gene and returns it to the cell.