Recombinant DNA technology in medicine

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Recombinant DNA (rDNA) is a type of artificial DNA that is made by joining together two or more DNA segment usually originating from different organisms. More specially, a recombinant DNA molecule is a vector into which the desired DNA regiment has been inserted to enable its cloning in an appropriate host. This is achieved by using specific enzyme (restriction enzyme) for cutting the DNA into suitable regiment and then for joining together the appropriate regiments (ligation). In this manner gene may be produced which contain the coding region from one organism joined to regulatory sequence from another organism; such a gene is called chimeric gene. Clearly, the capability to produce recombinant DNA molecule has given man the power and opportunity to certain novel gene function to suite specific needs.

Multiple varieties of proteins are created from recombinant DNA technology and it is used for medications. Some can be extracts from humans, such as human growth hormone (rHGH), human insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and factor VIII. Other proteins, when used as medication, only have recombinant DNA as a source, such as with erythropoietin. It has brought many revolutionary changes in the field of medicine and introduced such methods of treating diseases and delivering the drug.

Insulin:- Insulin is an basically a hormone, which is made up of proteins, this hormone is secreted in ‘islet’ cells of  the pancreas. This hormone play important roll in controlling the glucose level in body, because decreased level of insulin may cause diabetes. Recombinant DNA technology has allowed the scientists to develop human insulin by using the bacteria as a host cell and is safer than the drugs produced traditionally.

Human Growth Hormones:- In recent years, biotechnology helps the scientists to developed many growth hormones using recombinant DNA technology. The dwarfism disease is successfully treated with this hormone. Human growth hormone is a hormone under the category of polypeptide. It is responsible for growth, reproduction of the cells and regeneration in humans as well as animals. It is secreted by somatotroph cells present in the pituitary glands.

Vaccines:- Recombinant DNA technology make it easier to the scientists to develop vaccines by cloning the gene which is used to enhance the production of antibodies against specific antigens. Some of the viral vaccines are commonly developed through this technology for example, Herpes, Hepatitis, Influenza and Foot and Mouth Disease. It is injected in the body for protective antigen protein.

The use of advance technology like Recombinant DNA technology produces variety of products which are used for medical purpose like Interferon used to treat lymphoma and myelogenous leukemia. In the similar way Monoclonal Antibodies are used to produce vaccines against different viral infections. It is a challenging field, and play a key role in preventing genetic diseases, producing targeted medicines, and providing patients with less toxic pharmaceuticals.