Biotechnology is the science of using living organisms, including microorganisms, to produce goods and services. Biotechnology is a branch of molecular biology, and much of it aims to change organisms at their molecular level to create new applications. Biotechnology is useful in agriculture, medicine and industry, including the energy and environmental categories. Inducible expression vectors are an important tool to biotechnologists.
Definition
An expression vector is an independent, circular molecule that contains self-replicating DNA. The purpose of an expression vector is to introduce a specific gene into a target cell. An inducible expression vector contains a switch, or inducer, that can regulate the level and duration of the gene expression.
Characteristics
The inducible expression vector should be efficient, meaning it should be able to penetrate the desirable tissue or organ.
The inducible expression vector should be non-toxic, meaning it should not damage or destroy the tissue or organs it will enter.
The inducible expression vector should be nonimmunogenic, meaning it should not cause an immune response in the body which could destroy it.
Inducers
There are a wide variety of promoters or inducers that researchers use to turn the gene expression on and off. Some are outside forces, such as being dependent on a substance like an antibiotic. This can pose problems, such as side effects from the antibiotics. There are radiation inducible promoters, which are desirable for cancer treatments. Researchers are even creating a hypoxia-sensitive promoter for Myocardial ischemia (heart attack). A future that includes this type of inducer would be exciting, as an expression vector like this would have the ability to lie dormant for months or years until the gene expression is turned on by the symptom.
Types
There are many kinds of inducible expression vectors, but there are two main types: viral and non-viral. Viral vectors are often used because they are efficient. They can enter the cells easily, therefore delivering their genetic material to the target cells. Although a viral vector is made from a human viral pathogen, essential viral genes have been deleted, making it nonpathogenic (meaning it will not cause disease). Non-viral vectors usually use lipids (fats) or polymers as carriers, and they were developed as a safer solution to viral vectors. Creating a non-viral vector that can penetrate the target cell is more difficult, but there are several successful non-viral vectors.
Use in Gene Therapy
Gene therapy is a specific scientific field that involves the insertion of a gene into cells to either restore a missing function or provide the cell with a new function. Inducible expression vectors are widely used in gene therapy. Research in the field of gene therapy is making great strides in finding treatments for diseases including cancer, diabetes, arthritis and Parkinson's disease.
Tags: expression vector, inducible expression vector, expression vector should, expression vectors, gene expression