An article on Science Daily discusses a study conducted by David Kaplan and other scientists. It explains that the idea of gene therapy has been studied for quite some time (over 1,500 trials since 1989). Although the idea of gene therapy is not new safety is the main concern. The idea of utilizing genetically altered viruses to treat patients has been studied; however, it has not been approved by the FDA. Kaplan and other scientists proposed the idea to utilize silk proteins from spiders to transport genes. The silk proteins were modified to attach to unhealthy cells and glow(same gene as fireflies have), in order to "pinpoint" where the gene is. An experiment involving modified silk protein took place with mice who had human breast cancer cells. According to Science Direct as well as News-Medical.net it appeared the spider silk injected its DNA into the cancerous cells and did not harm the mice at all. News-Medical states, "genetically-engineered spider-silk proteins represent a versatile, very highly tailorable and useful new platform polymer for non viral gene delivery". The idea of treating cancer with silk extracted from spiders is mind blowing. The discoveries made by scientists in gene therapy is very impressive. Perhaps with more clinical studies Kaplan and other scientists will be able to convince the FDA that there are safe and effective.
Showing posts with label silk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silk. Show all posts
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Spider Silk Utilized for Gene Therapy
An article on Science Daily discusses a study conducted by David Kaplan and other scientists. It explains that the idea of gene therapy has been studied for quite some time (over 1,500 trials since 1989). Although the idea of gene therapy is not new safety is the main concern. The idea of utilizing genetically altered viruses to treat patients has been studied; however, it has not been approved by the FDA. Kaplan and other scientists proposed the idea to utilize silk proteins from spiders to transport genes. The silk proteins were modified to attach to unhealthy cells and glow(same gene as fireflies have), in order to "pinpoint" where the gene is. An experiment involving modified silk protein took place with mice who had human breast cancer cells. According to Science Direct as well as News-Medical.net it appeared the spider silk injected its DNA into the cancerous cells and did not harm the mice at all. News-Medical states, "genetically-engineered spider-silk proteins represent a versatile, very highly tailorable and useful new platform polymer for non viral gene delivery". The idea of treating cancer with silk extracted from spiders is mind blowing. The discoveries made by scientists in gene therapy is very impressive. Perhaps with more clinical studies Kaplan and other scientists will be able to convince the FDA that there are safe and effective.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Mighty Mighty Mites Genome Sequenced
An international team of scientists has cracked the first genetic genome on an arachnid. The mapped genome was that of a spider mite. Spider mites belong to the group of Acari and are related to other parasitic organisms such as ticks. These tiny organisms are invasive and feed off of plant juice. They become a real nuisance in ornamental gardens and feed off of a wide range of plants
well over 1,100 known species. The tiny mite usual multiplies quickly and has few resistances, unfortunately for the plant an infestation can lead to death, and causes farmers to have lower yields during harvest time. An estimated 0.5-1 billion dollars is spent annual on pesticides for the small arachnid. Scientists can now find genes within the mites genome to decrease and attempt to create an ecological solution for the problem. There have already been a few new genes that have been discovered in the mites genome that have previously not been found in any other arachnid genomes. These will hopefully shine light into why the plant sucking parasite is so resistant to pesticides. New genes were also found within the genome that played vital roles in the mites production of silk. Using these genes scientist will attempt to harness and mass produce the silk which has a unique combination of properties unlike many substances found today.
well over 1,100 known species. The tiny mite usual multiplies quickly and has few resistances, unfortunately for the plant an infestation can lead to death, and causes farmers to have lower yields during harvest time. An estimated 0.5-1 billion dollars is spent annual on pesticides for the small arachnid. Scientists can now find genes within the mites genome to decrease and attempt to create an ecological solution for the problem. There have already been a few new genes that have been discovered in the mites genome that have previously not been found in any other arachnid genomes. These will hopefully shine light into why the plant sucking parasite is so resistant to pesticides. New genes were also found within the genome that played vital roles in the mites production of silk. Using these genes scientist will attempt to harness and mass produce the silk which has a unique combination of properties unlike many substances found today.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)