What are gene therapy vectors?

Gene therapy vectors, also known as vectors of gene transfer or viral vectors, are a mechanism that a healthy gene is inserted into a normal chain of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Usually there are vectors of gene therapy viruses that have been modified to transfer human genes. In 2011, the science of gene therapy is still in early stages, although many doctors hope that one day can be able to remedy many different types of genetic conditions.

There are a number of different types of viruses in gene therapy. Some of the more common types include adeno-asculated viruses, herpes simplex viruses, retroviruses and adenoviruses. Each of these types of virus affects different types of cells, which means that they are used in gene therapy to target different disorders. For example, adeno-ascured viruses are designed to attach to chromosome 19, while herpes simplex virus neurons.

viruses that have been modified to become a vector of gene therapiers are not the same version of the virus that causes damage to people. GeNetic material in these modified viruses has been replaced by healthy human genes that can provide a medicine for health. The modified Herpes-Simplex virus that is used in gene therapy cannot cause herpes because the genetic material that causes herpes has been removed from the virus.

All viruses used as vectors of gene therapy must be able to replicate DNA and not only ribonucleic acid (RNA), because RNA cannot be used to replace the damaged part of the human DNA. In addition to viruses, there are several other ways to put healthy DNA into the patient's cells. Once a non -vigor form of gene therapy vector is lipid or fat. Lipid enters the target cell where it releases healthy DNA to treat the disorder. It is also possible to attach a healthy DNA to another molecule that would normally enter the target.

Although it is possible to insert a healthy DNA directly into the target cells, this approach does notAs practical as the use of viruses as vectors of gene therapy. Inserting DNA directly into the target cells requires a large amount of DNA, because healthy DNA will not be replicated as it is during the life cycle of a modified virus. In addition, only certain cell types can receive DNA using molecules or lipids.