Polymers are promising tools for gene therapyApril 24, 2002New methods are being developed to cure illnesses with the aid of gene therapy. Polymer technology provides new and versatile possibilities for administering gene doses. "Polymers are used to pack the gene to be transferred into particles of the size of a ten thousandth of a millimetre. These polymers effectively transport the transferable gene into affected cells and are then dissolved by the organs," explains Project Coordinator, Professor Arto Urtti of the Bio-pharmacy Department of the University of Kuopio. The aim of this Finnish group of researchers is to develop methods based on polymers, with the aid of which genes can be transferred into cells, which in turn start to produce the protein needed for treating the disease in question. The control of the gene transfer process is facilitated by a versatile analysis system developed by the group. With the aid of this analysis system, the complex stages and decisive mechanisms of the chain of events involved in gene transfer can be monitored. This in turn will help to make the action of the gene carrier more effective within the cell. Gene therapy offers promising prospects for the treatment of diseases. More and more diseases are discovered to have genetic background factors and, consequently, gene transfer methods are of great importance. This project is included in the technology programme “Polymers for Building the Future (Potra)” launched by the National Technology Agency Tekes. This technology programme comprises 26 research projects that focus, on the one hand, on new possibilities offered by polymers in the field of electronics, and, on the other hand, on polymers improving the well-being of people. Tekes, the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation |
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| Related Gene Therapy Current Events and Gene Therapy News Articles Research reveals lipids' unexpected role in triggering death of brain cells The lipid that accumulates in brain cells of individuals with an inherited enzyme disorder also drives the cell death that is a hallmark of the disease, according to new research led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital investigators. No-entry zones for AIDS virus The AIDS virus inserts its genetic material into the genome of the infected cell. Scientists of the German Cancer Research Center have now shown for the first time that the virus almost entirely spares particular sites in the human genetic material in this process. This finding may be useful for developing new, specific AIDS drugs. Cornell researchers identify a weak link in cancer cell armor The seeming invincibility of cancerous tumors may be crumbling, thanks to a promising new gene therapy that eliminates the ability of certain cells to repair themselves. Treatment to improve degenerating muscle gains strength A study appearing in Science Translational Medicine puts scientists one step closer to clinical trials to test a gene delivery strategy to improve muscle mass and function in patients with certain degenerative muscle disorders. Iowa State University researcher discovers key to vital DNA, protein interaction A researcher at Iowa State University has discovered how a group of proteins from plant pathogenic bacteria interact with DNA in the plant cell, opening up the possibility for what the scientist calls a "cascade of advances." Scientists successfully reprogram blood cells Researchers have transplanted genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells into mice so that their developing red blood cells produce a critical lysosomal enzyme -preventing or reducing organ and central nervous system damage from the often-fatal genetic disorder Hurler's syndrome. Immune therapy can protect against or treat later lymphoma Specially developed immune system cells that target the common Epstein-Barr virus can protect immune-suppressed bone marrow transplant recipients against lymph system disease and cancers that arise from the viral infection. Caltech researchers show efficacy of gene therapy in mouse models of Huntington's disease Researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) have shown that a highly specific intrabody (an antibody fragment that works against a target inside a cell) is capable of stalling the development of Huntington's disease in a variety of mouse models. Immunotherapy demonstrates long-term success in treating lymphoma Targeted immunotherapy has been an attractive new therapeutic area for a number of cancers because it has the potential to destroy tumor cells without damaging surrounding normal tissue. New study results demonstrate high success rates using specialized white blood cells to prevent or treat lymphoma associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-lymphoma) in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). Toward bold new anti-cancer medicines Bold new strategies in the battle against cancer may turn forms of the disease that presently are incurable into manageable conditions that can be controlled for long periods of time. More Gene Therapy Current Events and Gene Therapy News Articles |
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