National critical technologies report.

  • United States. Office of Science and Technology Policy.
Date:
1995
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: National critical technologies report. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    101/226 (page 75)
    Research in gene therapy has grown dramatically since 1990, with more than 40 therapeutic gene transfer protocols approved since that time. Pending positive results in animal models, many researchers believe that gene transfer could be potentially used to remedy serious human diseases caused by genetic mutations including sickle-cell anemia, emphysema, hemophilia, and even extremely high levels of cholesterol. Work is in progress on developing therapies for hepatitis and other liver diseases, AIDS, and diseases of the cardiovascular and central nervous systems, as well as inserting genes that stimulate the production of immune cells that fight cancer. Other approaches involve introducing genes through viral vectors such as adenovirus or through protein binding “receptors.” Another approach called “Antisense” tries to do the opposite of what other techniques do—it tries to turn off genes that code for the production of harmful proteins. Targeted gene replacement provides access to more than 5,000 human disorders attributed to genetic defects. As the genes and disorders are identified, the same mutations can be produced in mice, and the mouse models should make it possible to trace the events leading up to the manifestation of the disease. Understanding the molecular pathology of the disease should facilitate the development of more effective therapies. The various mutations of the cystic fibrosis gene are being studied this way. The study of mammalian neurobiology also looks attractive for this technique. Transgenic animals are being developed for a variety of purposes, from mice for specific disease research to purposes such as leaner meat or increased milk production. Transgenic plants such as rot-resistant tomato, and insect and herbicide resistant corn and cotton have been aggressively pursued. The present pursuit of herbicide resistant crops is considered controversial due to concerns that they may encourage the increased use of herbicides. Progress in animals and plants has been somewhat slower than in cell culture preparations as they are frequently constrained by the gestation period in animals or the growing seasons for plants. One of the most intriguing application of rDNA technology is the past year is biomolecular electronics. It is conceivable that for certain kinds of algorithms molecular computation might compete with electronic computation. Energy efficiency and storage density would be quite impressive. Storing information in DNA molecules and achieving an information density of approximately 1 bit per cubic nanometer would lead to a substantial improvement in capabilities over conventional video tape which stores data at a density of approximately 1 bit per 1012 nm°. Progress in recombinant DNA technology will contribute first and foremost to the health of the U.S. population. In addition, by facilitating care of chronic diseases and more productive agriculture, it contributes to a more productive economy. Agriculture-related biotechnology applications are potentially 79