New Method to Repair Faulty Genes Stirs Interest in Chimeraplasty Technique
Article Abstract:
A Newtown, Pennsylvania biotechnology company is developing a brand-new approach to gene therapy. Most gene therapy methods insert entire genes into cells to correct a gene mutation. The technique developed by Kimeragen, Inc., is called chimeraplasty, or targeted gene correction. It inserts a small nucleic acid sequence containing the correct sequence in the area around the mutation. It binds to this area and stimulates the cell's own DNA repair mechanism. The mutation is corrected to match the version on the chimeric molecule. This technique is best used for point mutations such as a deletion, insertion, or change in a single base pair.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Creation of a "European CDC" Debated
Article Abstract:
Many European countries are balking at the development of an agency similar to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A French doctor proposed the creation of the European Centre for Infectious Diseases (ECID) and the idea was debated at the meeting of the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Berlin in March, 1999. Proponents say ECID is needed to respond to disease outbreaks in addition to training epidemiologists and conducting basic research. Critics say individual nations will never agree to give up control and that existing networks can do much of this work.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
User Contributions:
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