Gene therapy is an emerging field that aims to treat genetic disorders by introducing healthy genes into the patient’s cells. One of the key tools in gene therapy is transfection, which is the process of introducing foreign DNA or RNA into a cell.
Transfection can be used to introduce therapeutic genes into the patient’s cells, which can then produce the missing or defective protein. This can be achieved through different methods, such as viral vectors, electroporation, or lipofection.
Viral vectors are a common transfection method in gene therapy, as they can efficiently deliver the therapeutic genes to the target cells. Electroporation is another method that uses an electric field to create temporary pores in the cell membrane, allowing the DNA or RNA to enter the cell.
Lipofection, on the other hand, uses lipid-based transfection reagents to deliver the foreign DNA or RNA into the cells. Lipofection is a popular method for in vitro studies and has also been used in some clinical trials.
In conclusion, transfection plays a crucial role in gene therapy, allowing for the efficient delivery of therapeutic genes into the patient’s cells. Different transfection methods can be used, depending on the target cells and the type of genetic material being introduced.
Transfection Reagents | In Vivo Transfection Kits | Publications | Services