< b>Gene transfer: The insertion of unrelated genetic information in the
form of DNA into cells.
There are different reasons to do gene transfer. Perhaps foremost among these
reasons is the treatment of diseases using gene transfer to supply patients with
therapeutic genes. There are also different ways to transfer genes. Some of these
methods involve the use of a vector such as a virus that has been specifically modified
so it can take the gene along with it when it enters the cell.
For example, gene transfer may help treat type 1 diabetes (which is due to failure
of the pancreas to produce enough insulin). Among the key factors that decide whether
the gene for insulin is turned on or off is the gene PDX-1. Using a vector virus
the PDX-1 gene has been transferred (into mice) where the gene is expressed by liver
cells which now produce insulin. Gene transfer of PDX-1 may reprogram tissues other
than the pancreas to make insulin and control the abnormally high blood sugar levels
in diabetes.
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