Artificial and engineered chromosomes: developments and prospects for gene therapy.
At the gene therapy session of the ICCXV Chromosome Conference (2004), recent advances in the construction of engineered chromosomes and de novo human artificial chromosomes were presented. The long-term aims of these studies are to develop vectors as tools for studying genome and chromosome function and for delivering genes into cells for therapeutic applications. There are two primary advantages of chromosome-based vector systems over most conventional vectors for gene delivery. First, the transferred DNA can be stably maintained without the risks associated with insertion, and second, large DNA segments encompassing genes and their regulatory elements can be introduced, leading to more reliable transgene expression. There is clearly a need for safe and effective gene transfer vectors to correct genetic defects. Among the topics discussed at the gene therapy session and the main focus of this review are requirements for de novo human artificial chromosome formation, assembly of chromatin on de novo human artificial chromosomes, advances in vector construction, and chromosome transfer to cells and animals.
Grimes
Brenda R
BR
Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 975 W. Walnut St, IB130, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. brgrimes@iupui.edu
Monaco
Zoia Larin
ZL
D000818:Animals; D022201:Chromosomes, Artificial / Q000235:genetics*; D022222:Chromosomes, Artificial, Human; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D005819:Genetic Markers; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic
D005819:Genetic Markers