How to do gene therapy
Gene therapy requires some way of delivering a functioning gene into the cells of a patient. In recent trials, several different ways have been researched, using carriers to deliver the gene.
- Disabled viruses can transfer genes into a cell efficiently. However, it can be difficult to make a virus totally harmless so some disease symptoms associated with the virus may also develop.
- Non-viral carriers include fat globules called liposomes and artificial chromosomes, where a sequence of DNA is created in a laboratory. These can transport large amounts of DNA, but they are not as easily incorporated into the genetic material of the cell.
For background information on gene therapy, go to: http://www.ornl.gov/hgmis/medicine/genetherapy.html
For more information on what is allowed in Australia, go to:
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about/committees/expert/gtrap/index.htm
Try cutting out a gene of interest - interactive