An Introduction to Genetic Engineering

Medical and forensic applications of recombinant DNA are described in Chapter 15. The range of genetically based diseases is outlined, and potential therapies discussed, covering diagnosis of infection, comparative genomics, development of vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and xenotransplantation. Treatment using gene therapy approaches is described, and the relatively limited success of gene therapy is considered in the context of its initial promise and the expectations that emerged from this. RNA-based therapies are covered by discussing RNA interference and antisense oligonucleotides, and the medical applications of genome editing are considered. The CCR5 controversy, known as the ‘CRISPR babies scandal’, is mentioned as an example of how the overall system can fail to prevent unethical practices when these are driven by determined scientists and clinicians. DNA profiling for analysis of DNA is described, and its use in forensic, legal and other applications is outlined.