1. Viruses are used for gene therapy
Irisa Shegani

2. What is gene therapy?
Gene therapy is an experimental treatment that involves the introduction of genes into existing cells to prevent or cure diseases.

3. How are genes transferred into cells?
Genes can be transferred to the cell by using a “vector”.
The vectors most commonly used in gene therapy are viruses.
A virus is a microscopic organism consisting of genetic material (RNA or DNA) sorrounded by a protein, lipid, or glycoprotein coat.

4. The types of viruses used in gene therapy are:
Retroviruses
Adenoviruses
Adeno-associated viruses
Lentiviruses
Poxviruses
Herpes viruses

5. Two types of delivery methods in gene therapy
The first one is called ex-vivo, where the somatic cells are:
Removed from the patient
Altered with gene therapy
Injected back to the patient

6. Two types of delivery methods in gene therapy
The second delivery method is called in-vivo
The virus is used to directly inject the patients tissue
The most common virus for this delivery is adenovirus

7. Adeno virus used in gene therapy
A new gene is injected into an adenovirus vector, which is used to introduce the modified DNA into a human cell.

8. Herpes virus used in gene therapy
It may be used to treat a brain tumor
When the virus gets inside the brain, it seeks out the target tumor cells and invades them
The tumor starts to produce herpes enzyme because the virus has inserted its genetic material into the tumor cells

9. Advantages
It gives someone that is born with a genetic disease or who develops cancern the chance to live a normal life
This technique has the ability to cure many of the diseases that have effected our society for years

10. Disadvantages The virus may target the wrong cells
Viruses sometimes may insert themselves into the wrong place in the DNA
The area that the virus targets may triger uncontrollable growth

11. Ref work Campbell,M; Farrell,S. Biochemistry, 7th edition,(pp 403)
Kirn,D; Liu,T; Source: Gene therapy;Jun 2008, Vol.15 issue 12. DOI: /gt
Kostarelos,K; Singh,R; Tian,B; Source: FASEB Journal; Sep 2008, Vol.22 Issue 9. DOI: /FJ