As discussed in connection with the anniversary, the human genome sequencing has enabled research and development of gene therapy. Therapy is able to deal with genetic diseases in the affected cell by introducing a copy of the gene or genes that showed no changes. No easy task when you consider that one of the problems that has faced this technology has been to find vectors effective and safe for the introduction of genetic material within the cell, and once on it in its proper insertion into the host DNA.
Given this difficult situation, the EUREKA project E! is aimed at achieving a more effective vector and with fewer side effects than the vectors used so far.
Besides viral vectors (most widely used technique apra the introduction of genes), another way to make cells get the new genetic material is through DNA binding to certain chemicals. It is in this sense they are investigating the EUREKA project partners.
In this technique would be used from the 1,4-dihydropyridine (1,4-DHP), much more effective in introducing DNA into the host cell and without the side effects caused by the use of viruses. Though it is not clear the manner in which the 1,4-DHP manages to introduce the DNA into the host, it is clear that the process is most effective when the cell is actively dividing, such as in cancer cells.
Although the project is still in its earliest beginnings, his top aides are optimistic about their future prospects. For them, the main beneficiaries will be in principle the basic research laboratories and only after extensive development progress may be applied to humans.
