Picture Source:
http://www.unc.edu/depts/our/hhmi/hhmi-ft_learning_modules/proteinsmodule/images/coloredecoli.png
Article Link:
http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2013/05/28/new_1step_process_for_designer_bacteria.html
University of Adelaide researchers have developed a simpler and faster way of developing designer bacteria. This new genetic engineering process called 'clonetegration'. Designer bacteria is a bacterium that has been modified to perform a specific task. These designer bacteria are used for theraputic drug development, such as insulin and other biotechnology products. Designer bacteria are produced by integrating extra pieces of genetic material into the DNA of bacteria. In the experiment at the University of Adelaide E. Coli. This produces the desired product.
An example of this process is the new genes are inserted into the bacteria's chromosome so that they produce compounds or proteins not normally produced. Insulin is produced in this way. This process now only takes one night compared to the original several days. As well as the process being sped up, this process enables multiple rounds of genetic engineering on the same bacteria. "This will become a valuable technique for facilitation genetic engineering with sequences that are difficult to clone as well as enable the rapid construction of synthetic biological systems," Dr. Shearwin says.
I think that this will become a very valuable process. This is because a short term situation can be fixed very quickly. In case a new problem arises or develops on a large scale, the crises will be able to be taken care of more quickly.
NOS Themes:
- Science is based on evidence- The researchers have produced their article after performing extensive research to base their findings on.
- Role of motivation and curiosity- The researchers were interested in finding a faster way to produce this genetically engineered bacteria.
Here are some other links to check out:
http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v6/n6/full/nchembio.378.html
http://www.utexas.edu/news/2013/01/15/designer-bacteria-may-lead-to-better-vaccines/
This is just like the vector stuff we just did! They are using bacteria as the way to get a new gene into cells to make the protein that is needed. Gene therapy is going to improve by a lot in the coming years as more discoveries like this are made. It make me wonder if they have also figured out a way to make these new bacteria not cause an immune response in the patient? Importance of repeatability is another theme. If this had only worked once or twice, it would definitely not be safe to use.
ReplyDelete