Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

10:18
In Vivo Gene Transfer to the Rabbit Common Carotid Artery Endothelium
Published on: May 6, 2018
[Prospects of gene therapy]
Małgorzata Barańska1, Jadwiga Skretkowicz
1Z Zakładu Farmakogenetyki Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lodzi.
Summary
Gene therapy offers two main strategies: repairing damaged genes or modifying gene expression to treat diseases at a molecular level. While clinical trials are increasing for cancer and genetic disorders, safe and effective gene therapy remains a research challenge.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Gene therapy has seen extensive development, with two primary research approaches.
- Clinical trials for gene therapy are rapidly expanding.
- Significant methodological progress has been made, but challenges remain.
Purpose:
- To explore gene therapy strategies for treating diseases at the molecular level.
- To discuss the use of gene therapy for cancer, monogenic, and cardiovascular diseases.
- To highlight the potential of gene therapy for autoimmune diseases and RNA interference (RNAi).
Summary:
- Gene therapy involves replacing damaged genes in somatic cells or modifying gene expression to inhibit pathogenic protein biosynthesis.
- Retroviral, adenoviral vectors, and plasmid DNA are commonly used for gene delivery.
- RNA interference (RNAi) using small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a newer approach to inhibit gene expression.
Impact:
- Gene therapy offers novel treatment modalities for various diseases, including genetic disorders and cancer.
- The development of effective gene delivery vectors is crucial for successful gene therapy.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and ensure the safety and efficacy of gene therapy.
Related Concept Videos
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be inserted. The...
Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be inserted. The...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
What is Genetic Engineering?
Overview
CRISPR
Genome editing technologies allow scientists to modify an organism’s DNA via the addition, removal, or rearrangement of genetic material at specific genomic locations. These types of techniques could potentially be used to cure genetic disorders such as hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. One popular and widely used DNA-editing research tool that could lead to safe and effective cures for genetic disorders is the CRISPR-Cas9 system. CRISPR-Cas9 stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short...
In-vitro Mutagenesis
To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
