Different Techniques of Genetic Transfer - Gene transfer in Bacterium

The genetic transfer is the technique of transferring foreign DNA from one organism to another organism. This can be done either vertically or horizontally. But, the horizontal gene transfer is much popular and is much more accepted by the scientists and surgeons. The genetic transfer includes both biological research as well as technological research. This is a quite complicated process and the chances of success also depend upon the accuracy of the device and the way they are used. The genetic transfer includes the gene therapy of tissues by modifying the cells of the organism to make it favorable for growth. This process is done in many kinds of organisms but is usually tested over prokaryotic organisms mainly bacteria. Through the various techniques of genetic process, both sets of DNA can be attained.  The aim of doing gene transfer is to enhance the cells to survive in favorable conditions and increasing the immune system. 

Different techniques included in the genetic transfer

Process of conducting Gene therapy- this method is done by transferring the therapeutic DNA from one donor to a recipient by injecting into the nucleus where it gets transcribed in parallel with genomic DNA.  Various gene therapy products are there like bacterial vectors, Patient-derived cellular gene therapy products. Even plasmid DNA is included in many non-viral and viral therapy vectors that are combined with liposomes, adenovirus, and lentivirus to make this method happen.  Gene therapy is mainly conducted to treat or prevent diseases by introducing a new gene into the body. It either replaces with the mutated gene to become a healthy one or it knocks out the mutated gene that is not working properly. 

Horizontal Genetic transfer- this method is done by the transmission of DNA in between genomes. Through this process of genetic transfer, bacteria gains antibiotic resistance and virulence. Horizontal gene transfer is done by introducing foreign DNA or RNA into eukaryotic cells of bacteria. This is generally a common technique in these bacteria which is taken along with prokaryotes. The transfer is done along 3 DNA cells of eukaryotes i.e., through the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplast. Horizontal genetic transfer mainly is conducted through three major processes which are transformation, transduction and bacterial conjugation. In transformation, generally, genetic material is incorporated from nature by a bacterial cell. This method promotes natural transformation such as growth phase of the cell. In the case of transduction foreign DNA or RNA is introduced into bacterial cells via a virus or viral vector. And in bacterial conjugation generally, the transmission of DNA is done through direct contact. Transfection is another method where the genetic material is deliberately introduced into animals.

Vertical genetic transfer- when the transmission of genetic material is from parents to offspring during reproduction then it is termed as vertical genetic transfer. Here the acquisition of DNA is differentiated from the horizontal genetic transfer. 

Now a rapid and advance method of genetic transfer is done through a method known as electroporation. It is conducted by using electrical pulses that gives an electric field for the transfer to occur. The frequencies can be set as required and for this high electroporator device having high accuracy is being used.

Microinjection is another method where DNA is introduced and incorporated into cells with the help of very fine needles and micropipettes. Here the DNA is directly delivered into a cell. Now the process has become much easier after the introduction of MICRO e-PORE which is a device specialized for conducting microinjection. There is one global manufacturer WPI in the USA who supplies this device and is a certified brand. 

Nowadays,genetic transfer is not only conducted in bacteria but also in animals, plants even in human beings due to the introduction of advanced technology in modern science.