A genetically modified virus is a virus that has gone through genetic modification for various biomedical purposes, agricultural purposes, bio-control and technological purposes. Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes to improve organisms and is usually obtained with biotechnology.
Video Genetically modified virus
General usage
Genetic modification involves the insertion or deletion of genes into the viral genome to improve organisms and is usually obtained with biotechnology methods. These methods of gene transfer include physically inserting the extra DNA into the nucleus of the intended host with a very small syringe, or with very small particles fired from a gene gun. Other methods exploit natural forms of gene transfer, such as the ability of Agrobacterium to transfer genetic material to plants, or the ability of lentiviruses to transfer genes to animal cells.
Maps Genetically modified virus
Health applications
Gene therapy
Gene therapy uses genetically modified viruses to deliver genes that can cure diseases in human cells.These viruses can deliver DNA or RNA genetic material to the targeted cells. Gene therapy is also used by inactivating mutated genes that are causing the disease using viruses. Viruses that have been used for gene therapy are, adenovirus, lentivirus, retrovirus and the herpes simplex virus. Although gene therapy is still relatively new, it has had some successes. It has been used to treat inherited genetic disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency. Although some successes, gene therapy is still considered a risky technique and studies are still undergoing to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Cancer treatment
In 2004, researchers reported that a genetically modified virus that exploits the selfish behaviour of cancer cells might offer an alternative way of killing tumours. Since then, several researchers have developed genetically modified oncolytic viruses that show promise as treatments for various types of cancer.
Vaccines
In 2001, it was reported that genetically modified viruses can possibly be used to develop vaccines against diseases such as, AIDS, herpes, dengue fever and viral hepatitis by using a proven safe vaccine virus, such as adenovirus, and modify its genome to have genes that code for immunogenic proteins that can spike the immune systems response to then be able to fight the virus.
Heart pacemaker
In 2012, US researchers reported that they injected a genetically modified virus into the heart of pigs. This virus inserted into the heart muscles a gene called Tbx18 which enabled heartbeats. The researchers forecast that one day this technique could be used to restore the heartbeat in humans who would otherwise need electronic pacemakers.
Lentivirus
A genetically modified version of the lentivirus has been used to treat diseases. The lentivirus is versatile and can be used as a genetically modified virus by using it as a vector for gene therapy.
Bio-control
Rabbits
In Spain and Portugal, by 2005 rabbits had declined by as much as 95% over 50 years due diseases such as myxomatosis, rabbit haemorrhagic disease and other causes. This in turn caused declines in predators like the Iberian lynx, a critically endangered species. In 2000 Spanish researchers investigated a genetically modified virus which might have protected rabbits in the wild against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease. However, there was concern that such a virus might make its way into wild populations in areas such as Australia and create a population boom. Rabbits in Australia are considered to be such a pest that land owners are legally obliged to control them.
Papayas
Tropical and subtropical regions located in the United States, South America, India, Africa, Mexico, China, and Australia suffered a decline in papaya production due to the papaya ringspot virus (PRSV). To combat this disease PRSV-resistant papaya was genetically engineered through gene technology. PSRV-resistant papayas were engineered by using a protein mediated, RNA-silencing mechanism. This was achieved through an agrobacterium mediated transformation of the papaya. Other methods used to combat the disease are, a gene gun method and post-transcriptional gene silencing technology. Post-transcriptional gene silencing technology is still currently being studied and can possibly be used for treatment of PRSV in the future.
Technological applications
Lithium-ion batteries
In 2009, MIT scientists created a genetically modified virus has been used to construct a more environmentally friendly lithium-ion battery. The battery was constructed by genetically engineering different viruses such as, the E4 bacteriophage and the M13 bacteriophage, to be used as a cathode. This was done by editing the genes of the virus that code for the protein coat. The protein coat is edited to coat itself in iron phosphate to be able to adhere to highly conductive carbon-nanotubes. The viruses that have been modified to have a multifunctional protein coat can be used as a nano-structured cathode with causes ionic interactions with cations. Allowing the virus to be used as a small battery. Angela Blecher, the scientist who led the MIT research team on the project, says that the battery is powerful enough to be used as a rechargeable battery, power hybrid electric cars, and a number of personal electronics.
Safety concerns and regulation
Bio-hazard research limitations
The National Institute of Health declared a research funding moratorium on select Gain-of-Function virus research in January 2015. Questions about a potential escape of a modified virus from a biosafety lab and the utility of dual-use-technology, dual use research of concern (DURC), prompted the NIH funding policy revision.
GMO lentivirus incident
A scientist claims she was infected by a genetically modified virus while working for Pfizer. In her federal lawsuit she says she has been intermittently paralyzed by the Pfizer-designed virus. "McClain, of Deep River, suspects she was inadvertently exposed, through work by a former Pfizer colleague in 2002 or 2003, to an engineered form of the lentivirus, a virus similar to the one that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS." The court found that McClain failed to demonstrate that her illness was caused by exposure to the lentivirus, but also that Pfizer violated whistleblower laws.
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia