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Recombinant DNA Technology: An Age of Advances In Gene Therapy

Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board


Throughout time, especially in the decades leading up to the present, numerous astounding advances in society have revolutionized and made possible the ability to treat diseases previously deemed incurable. This accomplishment can be attributed to a propagating interest in research along with a constant supply of new and innovative technology being phased out to facilitate the process of decoding genetic knowledge. This, in turn, has set the stage for experimenting with genetic functions to potentially reveal new remedies for previous ailments and also solve other obstacles associated with genetic inheritance.


Scientists continue to endeavor to enhance the overall health of the global community as they unlock a new realm of understanding in managing and optimizing genetic function. This resolve has demonstrated unique impacts across multiple disciplines, rendering practical, effective, and efficient applications, especially across the fields of science, healthcare, and beyond.


This article will focus on recombinant DNA technology and its impact across an international scope on various facets of physiology and the human body.



What is Recombinant DNA technology?

Recombinant DNA technology, often referred to as a subcategory of genetic engineering, was a technique initially developed in 1973 by scientists Paul Berg and his peers at Stanford University and the University of California San Francisco. This process has made multiple advances since and is the utilization of enzymes and various laboratory techniques to isolate and combine certain DNA segments from a cell of interest with the genetic material of another host organism. This process of genetic modification provides the ability to manipulate and change the function of a desired host cell, where DNA is extracted and altered; the artificially modified genetic material is inserted as what is termed a vector into the host cell.


As a result of this, the creation of an artificial version of various specific DNA sequences over time has enabled many new genetic combinations to encode desired characteristics in host cells. It paves the path for many host cells to develop increasingly favorable traits through genetic sequences not otherwise available naturally. As mentioned, this technology has the potential to impact many facets on a level not previously witnessed before; this includes the treatment of diseases, the development of immunity and antibodies in various organisms, gene expression, and also eliminating many other genetic shortcomings in organisms. This article encapsulates a few of the most prominent impacts that recombinant DNA technology has on the aspect of health and genetic function in the subsequent section.


What Are The Practical Applications For Recombinant DNA Technology?


One of the most profound impacts that recombinant DNA technology has is on the aspect of gene therapy through the production of therapeutic proteins. Oftentimes, the generation of therapeutic proteins is required to treat disorders due to mutations and or spontaneous and detrimental changes in genes as a result of the environment one lives in. This technique of genetic engineering is able to alter gene sequences to support issues in the generation of hormones such as HgH (human growth hormone) and insulin that would not otherwise be able to be compensated by a default cell innately. This is to treat disorders such as pituitary dwarfism where insufficient HgH affects the ability to stimulate the transition of the body from childhood to adulthood; it also aids those with Type One Diabetes, where no insulin is produced as the body struggles to process sugar intake, with parts of the body slowly decomposing as a result if no decisive action is taken to counter it.


Not only are the advantages of recombinant DNA technology confined to the production of hormones to resolve certain underlying conditions in a given host cell or organism, but vaccine production to aid with immunity, antibody production, and resistance to detrimental diseases has also proven to be a transformative outcome of advances in this aspect of genetic modification. The Hepatitis B vaccine is an illustration of the application of recombinant DNA technology to increase immunity to Hepatitis B, the leading cause of liver cancer globally. DNA fragments coding for subunits serving as antibodies for this type of cancer were formulated thanks to recombinant technology, leading to a strong immune response to alleviate the risk of the Hepatitis B virus. This vaccine is sometimes referred to as the first “anti-cancer” vaccine; without this methodical approach to genetic modification, the entire world, without exception, would be increasingly susceptible to many health hazards such as this.


As some diseases still remain without a cure, the scientific and health community has not remained stagnant in its advances despite already developing genetic modification technology that has enhanced the quality of life of many on an international scope. Previously acquired knowledge of recombinant DNA technology is continuing to be utilized to better understand the basis of various genetic diseases, their modes of inheritance, and the complexities that must be uncovered to formulate a cure. This technology is still a relatively new concept; therefore, experimentation with recombinant DNA is still in trial. There continues to remain boundless uncharted territories of evolutionary relationships, mutations, and increasingly complex genetic sequencing, and the functions they code for are still being explored by genetic modification techniques akin in manner. Recombinant DNA technology is therefore applied in a manner to search for greater knowledge to better understand and develop new methods to combat many genetic unknowns and predicaments.


How Does It Work?


There are three methods of producing recombinant DNA: transformation, non-bacterial transformation, and phage introduction. It is important to recall that the original DNA sequence of interest can be obtained from any eukaryotic cell, such as bacterial cells, fungal cells, human cells, and mammalian cells. This section of the article further explores the specifics of how this technology works. It is worth noting, however, that there are still further details to be explored in this regard that cannot be encompassed within the scope of this article. In relation to transformation and non-bacterial transformation under recombinant DNA technology, the processes overlap in many aspects; the only distinguishing factor between the two is the use of bacteria (E. Coli (Escherichia Coli)) for the host in transformation while the non-bacterial method does not utilize bacteria in its processes. These two processes both contrast in a greater degree when compared to the technique of phage introduction.


To preface, in transformation and non-bacterial transformation, a DNA segment of interest coding for a desired trait, characteristic, or function must first be cut and isolated from a source with restriction enzymes (restriction endonucleases). Next, a target gene to be manipulated must be selected; the DNA here, referred to as a plasmid, must likewise be cut open with restriction enzymes (restriction endonuclease) in what is known as the E-coRI region; this produces sticky ends and a region available for the gene of interest to be inserted. Following that step, DNA ligase, an enzyme, joins and glues together the fragments and the plasmid. The final product, the genetically modified plasmid, in turn, is introduced into the bacterial cell through heat, electroporation, and other processes, replicating as it divides. The gene of interest will imminently alter gene expression in the host cell, potentially benefiting the cell’s function in a positive and desired manner as a desired and deliberate characteristic is expressed as a result.


Phage introduction, as mentioned before, is different from these two methods of recombinant DNA engineering in a greater sense. As the name reveals, phage is used instead of bacteria as the host. The phage process entails using lambda or MI3 phages to produce phage plaques containing recombinants. This generates a unique difference in genetic sequence that aids in the discrepancy between recombinant DNA and non-recombinant DNA.


Pros/Cons– Controversy:


When analyzing the benefits and risks associated with recombinant DNA technology, there are many factors to take into consideration. The perspectives that various collectives may have in relation to the technique of genetic modification potentially run on opposite ends of the spectrum; some are very supportive of it while others firmly condemn the process.


Certain demographics are firmly against genetic modification and genome editing, believing it is unethical as they are tampering with nature and God’s work; similarly, some others may believe that the process itself may be cruel and inhumane to organisms used for experimentation, hence, condemning other similar processes including recombinant DNA technology.


Not only that, but the drawbacks of genetic engineering also bring about concerns of unintended and unforeseen consequences regarding safety, which may further hamper and increase reluctance in support of this type of technology. As emphasized in this article previously, a lot of research and trials are still continuing to be undergone to further knowledge and procedures to ensure safety and efficiency in gene therapy, as it is still a relatively modern concept with boundless unknowns. Fears and risks of inadvertently creating a mutant gene that could have detrimental effects emanate to concern people. If mutant and abnormal organisms were to reproduce in an unplanned manner, the negative effects could broaden beyond the scope of expectation, giving rise to unforeseen and negative impacts to disrupt the safety of the environment around the organism. This serves as one of the biggest roadblocks to recombinant DNA technology and other similar procedures being pursued on a wider scale.


Taking these into account, nevertheless, it must not be forgotten that recombinant DNA technology also delivers potential advantages as mentioned in the previous section regarding its uses. It may be used to treat diseases, cure illnesses, create vaccines, and also better other processes in gaining a greater understanding of organisms, the human body, and how to maximize and enhance the potential for a better quality of life for mankind. Without recombinant DNA technology, individuals would be much more susceptible to dangerous disease outbreaks and have drastically lower immunity to diseases. Overall, genetic engineering has revolutionized the world in an unfathomable manner; one wonders how we would manage without the advances in knowledge, technology, and benefits it has rendered available to society.


Conclusion:


As a whole, the advances in biotechnology over time have been recognized by many. It is a diverse field that has boundless limits that researchers continue to strive and overcome each day, with many emerging applications across many disciplines continuing to be unveiled.


DNA recombinant technology and other similar processes of genetic modification entail an intricate method that has taken and will continue to take many years to continue to improve. It must be appreciated that those who have put forth the effort to develop the method of genetic engineering have provided promise for many unknowns, predicaments, and diseases that previously held little to no hope.


Despite that, genetic engineering continues to be a contentious topic with varying perspectives all across. There must be a fine balance achieved between all parties with conflicting opinions on this technology; this requires mutual respect for the individual values, beliefs, and rights of all parties involved. DNA recombinant technology and other similar means of genetic modification must be practiced and exercised with caution to ensure that its benefits can be maximized, upheld, and maintained.




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