The Case For Genetic Engineering

Abstract

Human genetic engineering is the alteration of a human's genotype, or inherited genetic information, to make changes to their phenotype, or observable trait. The goal of this alteration depends on the type of genetic engineering process: Somatic or Germline. The goals of Somatic genetic engineering are normally limited to choosing phenotypes that do not producehereditary disease or aid in combating it, while the Germline process has the potential to change physical traits altogether. Research has shown, that of these two types of engineering, Somatic is the more ethical option, as it only affects the one individual, whereas Germline would change the genes entirely, which could be transfered to any and all offspring. The potential consequences of future generations being affected by this form of engineering places Somatic at the forefront. This article provides a background of human genetic engineering and gene therapy as well as the ethics and future involved in making this medical advancement a viable option 

http://techcomm.wikidot.com/the-case-for-genetic-engineering

Genetic Engineering of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Its Application in Human Disease Therapy

Abstract 

The use of stem cells for tissue regeneration and repair is advancing both at the bench and bedside. Stem cells isolated from bone marrow are currently being tested for their therapeutic potential in a variety of clinical conditions including cardiovascular injury, kidney failure, cancer, and neurological and bone disorders. Despite the advantages, stem cell therapy is still limited by low survival, engraftment, and homing to damage area as well as inefficiencies in differentiating into fully functional tissues. Genetic engineering of mesenchymal stem cells is being explored as a means to circumvent some of these problems. This review presents the current understanding of the use of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells in human disease therapy with emphasis on genetic modifications aimed to improve survival, homing, angiogenesis, and heart function after myocardial infarction. Advancements in other disease areas are also discussed.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978545/?tool=pubmed

Recombineering: A Homologous Recombination-Based Method of Genetic Engineering

Abstract

Recombineering is an efficient method of in vivo genetic engineering applicable to chromosomal as well as episomal replicons in E. coli. This method circumvents the need for most standard in vitro cloning techniques. Recombineering allows construction of DNA molecules with precise junctions without constraints being imposed by restriction enzyme site location. Bacteriophage homologous recombination proteins catalyze these recombineering reactions using double- and single-strand linear DNA substrates, so-called targeting constructs, introduced by electroporation. Gene knockouts, deletions and point mutations are readily made, gene tags can be inserted, and regions of bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) or the E. coli genome can be subcloned by gene retrieval using recombineering. Most of these constructs can be made within about a week's time.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2790811/?tool=pubmed

Human Genetic Engineering: An Uncertain Future (The consequences)

Abstract

Human genetic engineering could be very beneficial to humanity by disallowing children to be born with genetic diseases. Future generations of humans could be designed to improve upon thespecies. However, there are many potentially irreversible consequences that could occur as aresult of genetically engineering an unborn child. The consequences revolve around the potentialdestruction or alteration of the American social structure and the government. In order to preserve the status of the human race, this technology should be heavily regulated andapproached with extreme caution. The usual process of racing to patent an exciting medicalinnovation should avoided so this idea does not get out of hand.

http://es.scribd.com/jsilva421744/d/19759997-Human-Genetic-Engineering-PDF