Genetic transfer as a phenomenal method and its function unleashed

The genetic transfer is an important process which uses genetic information to modify the phenotype of cells. Genetic transfer in the laboratory setting is particularly the use of plasmid transfections in vitro with cultured cells. This process is being used particularly to address a vast range of important biological questions. Gene therapy strategies are also very useful for tissue engineering by directly modifying the cells.

Sometimes genetic transfer can be done between two different genomes. This particular process is known as horizontal gene transfer. Generally, horizontal gene transfer occurs between different species, such as between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The horizontal gene transfer is distinguished from the transmission of genetic material from parents to offspring during reproduction, which is known as vertical gene transfer.

To understand the different functions of various proteins, neuroscience has introduced Genetic transfer as an experimental tool. This technology is designed to manipulate gene expression in large populations of neural cells, in dissociated and organotypic slice cultures, and in vivo. Gene transfer, in the beginning, is to be used for therapeutic purposes.  One of the most efficient gene transfer methods in Central Nervous System (CNS) is being provided by Recombinant Viral Vectors.

There are two main routes to transfer genes intothe CNS:

• The indirect method (ex vivo)

• The direct method (in vivo)

 

 

These two have some advantages and disadvantages as well. In case of direct process such as in vivo genetic transfer, by the recombinant viral vectors like adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral vectors, and the lentiviral vectors, entails transduction of nondividing resident host cells and modify them genetically, with a long-lasting and nonreversible expression of the transgene. While, in ex vivo genetic transfer, the vector is first delivered to a cell line in vitro, and these cells are then transplanted into the brain. Due to this process, there is no integration of foreign DNA which can cause a genome dysregulation of the host cells.

The uses of adenoviral vectors for genetic transfer can offer some significant practical advantages. The plasmid transfection techniques have become inefficient and many experiments will ultimately require a subsequent selection of steps to enrich the cell population for testing the biological question of interest.