Nucleic acid biotechnology.
Driven by advances in the acquisition of genetic sequence information and the ability to manipulate small quantities of nucleic acid, a number of technologies are emerging that exploit nucleic acids for research, diagnostic, and therapeutic utility. In this review, we cover three technologies based on nucleic acids--DNA microarrays, antisense technology, and gene therapy--that are especially promising and may make a substantial impact in the laboratory and in the clinic during the coming years. For each of these areas, an overview of the current status and applications is provided, followed by a discussion of critical issues and challenges to be faced for further advancement of the technology; an emphasis is placed on quantitative and engineering aspects.
Roth
C M
CM
Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgical Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Burns Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA. roth@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
Yarmush
M L
ML
D001698:Biomedical Engineering; D001709:Biotechnology; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D009696:Nucleic Acids; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense
D009696:Nucleic Acids; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense