DNA Films for Gene Therapy
Layering DNA is a hot technique. Over the weekend, I wrote about coating organs with DNA to improve transplant success. University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have also developed nanoscale films made up of DNA and water-soluble polymers. The design allows them to deliver DNA directly into cells as a form of gene therapy. The DNA film can be manipulated by adding multiple layers with each layer capable of carrying a different type of DNA sequence. The time point of release can be manipulated by altering the polymer structure.
Thus far, they’ve applied the DNA films to cardiac stents which are typically used in angioplasties to open clogged arteries. Some types of cardiac stents have a coating of drugs that help to prevent the growth of smooth muscle cells over the stent (restenosis) and clotting that can lead to heart attacks. Stents coated with the DNA nanofilm were tested in rabbits and a gene that fluoresces was successfully delivered into a rabbit’s artery showing that the nanofilm appears to behave the way researchers expected.
Traditionally, gene therapy has relied on using viruses as vectors for delivering DNA. If inert substances like polymer films can be used, it would eliminate some of the side effects associated with using viral vectors and perhaps result in greater precision as well.
Tags: genetics, genes, genome, dna, gene therapy, diseases, illness, health, medicine, cardiac stents
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Genetic Engineering, Genetic Ingenuity
.gif)
0 opinions for DNA Films for Gene Therapy
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: