Biotechnology in use Flashcards
What is optogenetics?
Technology derived from finding light sensitive protein in algae, algae detect photons of light through channels called channel rhodopsins which open in response to light allowing algae to detect light source
How could optogenetics be modified for humans?
Channel can be taken into neuron, light shone on it and then it will become stimulated by light rather than electrical activity. The light opens up the neurons which generates an action potential
Clone channel rhodopsin from algae into our plasmid, use a neuron cell specific promoter, introduced into neurons, probe into brain which has optical fibre which can shine light and activate channel in neuron which activates electrical activity in the neuron
What is protein evolution?
Evolve protein for a new use or for improved uses
Take piece of cDNA for GFP, use degenerative PCR to amplify it, take PCR products and transform them into bacteria (employ them into plasma) with a bacterial promoter, select out the variants you want, take them and sequence what the changes were that resulted in change in colour
How is recombinant DNA being used in humans?
Recombinant DNA technology in the clinic = recombinant proteins that require repeated administration of drugs for the life of the patient/illness
To provide a permanent treatment we need to use the patient as the host for protein production to treat their condition. Advantage is that instead of having to re-administer the treatment, the treatment will be a one off
How are plasmids carried into patients?
Plasmids can be carried into patients using viral vectors in gene therapy because viruses are really good at getting genetic information into cells, gene gets expressed under control of an appropriate promoter
Virus is disabled - no longer contains pathogenic information
How could gene therapy be used to treat diabetic patients ?
Insulin cDNA encoding signal sequence with B, C and A chain inserted into plasmid. Promoter is a mammalian promoter which is glucose responsive which are isolated hence when we have high levels of glucose in our blood the promoter will be activated, insulin will be expressed and we can use this to treat diabetic patients
What is the problem and solution for treating type 1 diabetes with gene therapy?
Virus is used as a vector to carry gene into patient cells
Injected into liver rather than pancreas as beta cells dying in pancreas hence autoantibodies recognise proteins on beta cell surface and no insulin would be produced. Turn liver cells into insulin making machines using promoter which responses to glucose in the blood
