Applications of Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering has wide, applications in modem biotechnology. For various industrial processes, this technique may be used in microorganisms as well as with higher organisms. Since microbial cells have a much higher metabolic rate, genes of desired enzymes could be introduced into plasmid of bacteria. Among the medical applications of genetic engineering are the production of hormones, vaccines, interferon, enzymes, antibodies, and vitamins, and in gene therapy for some hereditary diseases.
The bacterial insulin, humulin was prepared by cloning the DNA from chromosome number 11 of human cells in bacteria.
In 1977 Herbert Boyer created E.coli capable of synthesizing somatostatin, the human growth hormone of the brain hypothalamus.
The hormone thymosin alpha-I, as well as Beta-endorphin has been produced by genetically engineered microorganisms.
Subunit vaccines can be prepared by cloning the DNA coding for the antigenic protein present on a pathogen. E.g, Hepatitis B, Foot & mouth disease, malaria etc.
Plants can be made to express antigenically important microbial proteins (edible vaccine).
Weissmann and his associates have produced alpha-interferon by recombinant DNA methods.
The enzyme urokinase, which is used to dissolve blood clots, has been produced by genetically engineered microorganisms.
Chimeric monoclonal antibodies with human Fc region can be made using this technology.
This technology has been applied to treat some of the genetic diseases (gene therapy), but they are mainly in the experimental stages.
AAT (alpha-1 antitrypsin- used in treating emphysema), tissue plasminogen activator, factor VIII, antithrombin, erythropoeitin etc are some of the other proteins produced using this technology.
Transgenic animals with required characteristics can be created by this technique.
A genetically engineered protein called visilizumab has long-lasting clinical benefits for people with the most severe form of ulcerative colitis. Visilizumab specifically binds to CD3 proteins that are expressed on T cells and thus has an inhibiting effect.
Use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein, or rhBMP-2, has been approved for certain types of spine fusion surgery. RhBMP-2 is a genetically engineered version of a naturally occurring protein that helps to stimulate bone growth.
Human keratin has been genetically engineered with the aim of incorporating the compound into skin and hair care products.
No comments:
Post a Comment