3b. Modificazioni Transgeniche
USE
OF GENES IN
PROTEIN PRODUCTION and DRUG DISCOVERY
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The
first phase of gene discovery
is to use tools and techniques
to discover new genes
that may be used as drugs to treat patients. Micropipettors,
robotic pipettors and a DNA array machine are used to find genes
that are expressed for certain cell types. Once you find a new
gene, it is sequenced, the DNA is determined showing that
the gene is unique. Than the unique gene is moved into a plasmid
and used in cell culture lab for protein production to be
produced in great volume
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In the cell
culture lab in protein production, the new gene in
the plasmid is inserted into cells using the
electroporator. A permanent cell line is than created that
produces the protein from the introduced human gene. Researchers
in the lab will cultivate the cells in bioreactors to define
growth and production conditions. For example, the growth and
health of the cells is monitored using the light microscope and
the biochemistry analyzer. Once the protein is made, the cells
and the media containing the protein to the protein
purification lab.
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In the protein
purification lab the media is concentrated
using an ultrafiltration system. The concentrated protein is
than loaded onto a chromatography column. The human protein is
separated away from all the other cell proteins resulting in a
purified protein product. This product is analyzed for purity
using gel electrophoresis and scientists can study it further to
determine the biological activity of the protein.
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If the research
labs show activity indicates that the protein may work as a
potential drug than clinical trials are planned. trials.
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