a. Articles
Roberts, Leslie. 1989.
Rifkin battles gene transfer experiment. Science. 243(4892):734
Thompson, Larry. 1992. Monkey tests spark safety review (gene
therapy). Science. 257(5078):1854
Boyles, Salynn; Sandra W. Key.
1999. Fears of gene therapy DNA passed to next generation
statistically unfounded. Antiviral Weekly, June 28,1999,
p12
Korenberg, Julie R.; David L. Rimoin. 1995. Medical genetics.
JAMA. 273(21):1692
Abstract: The gene for breast and ovarian cancer, BRCA1, was isolated
in 1994,
and about 40 mutations have been identified. Genetic research
is expanding to
include coronary artery diseases, mental illness and diabetes.
Medical geneticists
can help high-risk families of cystic fibrosis in prevention and
treatment. An attempt
has been made to move the cystic fibrosis gene to the lower airways
of CF
patients. The Human Genome Project is aiding in the early diagnosis
of genetic
defects. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA coupled
with in vitro
fertilization has made possible the implantation of an embryo
in the uterus after
being screened for single-gene disorder.
Morgenthaler, Lissa. 1993. Just
what the doctor ordered: gene therapy is now stuff of dollars,
not just dreams. Barron's. 73(38):10
Brief Summary: Biotechnology companies such as Cell Genesys, Genzyme
and
SyStemix will likely profit from the advances made from the use
of gene therapy. Innovations, research efforts and products by
companies are presented as examples that will help raise profits.
Wheeler, David L. 1991. Debate begins over who should pay for experimental gene therapy. The Chronicle of Higher Education. 37(22):A7
Begley, Sharon. 1998. Into the
Gene Pool. (ethical aspects of genetic research) Newsweek,
Dec 28, 1998 p68(1)
Abstract: Genetic research has given humans a rather disturbing
view of
themselves. Sexual behavior and cancer are thought to be determined
by a
person's genetic makeup and the possibility that many other facets
of a person's intelligence and personality are genetically determined
can affect people. Cloning of animals, the possibility of farming
human organs and manipulating the genes of unborn humans increases
the ethical burden that this science has imposed upon us.
McCormick, Louis H. ; Bruce R. Korf. Nov.1998. Editorial: genetics
In medicine: the future is here. Patient Care. p7
Abstract: Many breakthroughs in genetic therapy in the last few
years. Research on the Genome has revealed some of the intricate
workings of genetics in the human body. Genetic research will
change medicine by allowing doctors to understand who has genetic
predispositions for disease and some genetic disorders will be
able to be treated.
Anderson, W. French. 1995. Gene therapy. Scientific American.
273(3):124
Abstract: Human gene therapy may be controversial but it has managed
to save the lives of many individuals. A brief overview of current
gene therapy techniques and the potential technologies of the
future is presented.
Marx, Jean L. 1986. Gene therapy - so near and yet so far away. Science. 232:824
Gene research stirs hope. 1985.
U.S. News & World Report. 99:112
Vogel, Gretchen. 1997. From science fiction to ethics quandary.
Science. 277(5333):1753 use of gene therapy in the enhancement
of desired traits
Schmeck, Harold M. Jr. 1991. Gene transfer in perspective. FDA
Consumer. 25(10):16
Advances in organ transplants and medical science have led to
the use of gene therapy. Gene therapy was attempted in 1970 and
refined in 1980. A brief history of gene therapy research is presented.
Marshall, Eliot. 1996. Varmus proposes
to scrap the RAC. Science. 272(5264):945
Varmus announced that the practice of submitting each new gene
therapy trial to public review has served its purpose, and that
the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee will be dissolved. He also
proposed regular NIH workshops on gene therapy. Critics of the
plan will have 15 days for discussion.
Marshall, Eliot. 1994. One less hoop for gene therapy. Science.
265(5172):599
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) have decreased restrictions on gene therapy
research. Prior to the easing, all gene therapy research was subject
to public hearings. Under the new plan, the NIH or FDA would only
step in if major new policy or safety issues were involved in
a research program.
David A. Kessler; Jay P. Siegel;Philip D. Noguchi; Kathryn C.
Zoon; Karyn L. Feiden; Janet Woodcock. 1993. Regulation of somatic-cell
therapy and gene therapy by the Food and Drug Administration.
The New England Journal of Medicine. 329(16):1169
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates somatic-cell
therapy and gene therapy. Somatic-cell therapy involves treatment
with cells that have been genetically altered outside the body.
Gene therapy involves direct administration of genetically altered
material using a viral carrier. Scientific advances since the
1980s have enabled testing of these new treatments in patients.
The FDA may need to re-evaluate its approach to regulation of
new products for somatic-cell and gene therapy. Product development
may also be advanced by early discussion between academic and
commercial sponsors. Researchers should take into consideration
FDA requirements and public health demands in these discussions.
Historical precedents already exist for evaluating new forms of
biotechnology. A prudent course may be science-based regulation
under the statutes that have evolved since the late 1800s.
Palca, Joseph. 1991. Changes ahead for gene therapy review process? Science. 253(5020): 624
The first gene-therapy patient.
U.S. News & World Report, Sept 24, 1990 v109 n12 p21(1)
Fackelmann, Kathy A. 1990. Human gene therapy wins crucial victory.
Science News. 138(5):68
Weiss, R. 1990. Gene therapists told to do homework. Science
News. 137(14):213
using PEG-ADA and gene therapy to treat adenosine deaminase deficiency
Weiss, Rick. 1988. Subcommittee
okays human gene transfer. Science News. 134(25):389
Culliton, Barbara J. 1988. Gene therapy OK'd. Science.
242(4875):21
The National Institutes of Health advisory committee on
human gene therapy this week approved an experiment to insert
genes into the cells of terminally ill cancer patients in an attempt
to measure the effectiveness of treatment. It is the first time
NIH adviser have given their blessing to this kind of study. The
test, which is expected to be carried out on no more than ten
patients who are likely to die within 3 months, will be conducted
by Steven A. Rosenberg of the National Cancer Institute and W.
French Anderson of the NIH's heart institute.
Rosenberg has pioneered cancer therapy using tumor infiltrating
or TIL cells, a
type of white blood cell that shows promise in attacking certain
cancers. Using
Anderson's gene therapy expertise, the two physicians plan to
attach a gene for the antibiotic neomycin to the TIL cells and
use it as a marker to trace the course of TIL cells into tumors.
Final pre-test approval must still come from the director of NIH
and the Food and Drug Administration.
Culliton, Barbara J. 1986. NIH asked to tighten gene therapy rules. Science. 233:1378
Sun, Marjorie. 1985. Gene therapy guidelines approved. Science. 230:302
Who will judge gene-therapy research? Science News, Aug 31, 1985 v128 p140(1)
Stephenson, Joan. 1999. New Method
to Repair Faulty Genes Stirs Interest in Chimeraplasty Technique.
JAMA. 281(2):119
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.
Stix, Gary. 1998. Shutting down
a gene. Scientific American. 279(5):46
Abstract: The US FDA has issued approval for a number of antisense
drugs,
which promise to address a number of viral disorders, including
AIDS and Crohn's disease. These preparations function by hindering
the formation of unwanted proteins by limiting the action of messenger
RNA.
L.A. Martin, R. Vile, N.R. Lemoine, K. Sikora, H.S. Pandha. 1997. Genetic prodrug activation therapy. The Lancet. 350(9094):1793
Flam, Faye. 1993. Can DNA mimics
improve on the real thing? Science. 262(5140):1647
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed
compounds called peptide nucleic acids (PNA) which mimic DNA and
RNA in
diagnostic and therapeutic uses, but last longer and form stronger
bonds. The
possible use of PNAs in antisense, a type of gene therapy, is
examined.
Morsy, Manal A;Kohnosuke Mitani; Paula Clemens;C. Thomas Caskey.1993.
Progress toward human gene therapy. JAMA. 270(19):2338
Abstract: Advances in gene transfer technology since 1944 may
soon permit the application of gene therapy to hereditary human
diseases. Gene transfer can be accomplished by either in vivo
or ex vivo delivery. Ex vivo delivery involves removing cells,
genetically altering them and returning them to the individual
as in bone marrow transplantation. In vivo delivery uses cellular
transport mechanisms or viruses to import genes into target cells.
Problems delivering genes into liver cells have hampered efforts
to treat hereditary liver diseases. Bone marrow transplant techniques
can be used to correct gene defects in blood cells. Gene therapy
has been used in cancer patients to boost their immune response
to the tumor. Gene therapy can be used to replace the defective
gene that causes cystic fibrosis. It may also be useful in the
treatment of muscular dystrophy, which is caused by a defect in
the gene for the protein dystrophin.
Carey, Joseph. 1985. Genes; goal
for gene splicers: to wipe out inherited defects before they do
any damage. U.S. News & World Report. 99:56
Tai, Isabella T. ; Anthony M. Sun. 1993. The delivery of gene
products by microencapsulated recombinant cells: a new model for
gene therapy. JAMA. 270(17):2119
Begley, Sharon. Designer Babies. Newsweek, Nov 9, 1998
p61(1)
Abstract: Scientists are about three years away in 1998 from genetically
altering a fertilized egg. The idea is to cure deadly diseases
before the baby is even born through gene therapy. The ethical
and moral implications of so altering human beings are considered.
Donegan, Craig. 1995. Gene therapy's future: have scientists gone
too far too fast? CQ Researcher. 5(46):1091
Abstract: Gene therapy is a controversial topic because opponents
are concerned about the ethics of patenting DNA and genetically
engineered animals while others are worried about rushed human
trials. Biotechnology firms are being pressured by investors and
commercial interests to produce results when the research and
development process can take 10 years. Government oversight is
both too lax and involves duplicate efforts that delay research.
Genetic engineering has important potential but ethical and oversight
issues need to be addressed before human trials are approved.
Miller, Henry I. 1994. Gene therapy for enhancement. The Lancet.
344(8918):316
Abstract: Somatic-cell human gene therapy (SHGT) presents medical
and ethical concerns that must be considered in relation to people's
desires and what society allows. SHGT is the insertion of genes
into the cells of human subjects to correct conditions present
at birth or acquired later in life. Debate and controversy surround
this technological advance. Some experts support use of SHGT for
disease treatment but not for the enhancement of physical appearance.
This argument cites moral and medical safety issues. Medical risks
of SHGT, however, may not be different from other types of medical
procedures and can likely be monitored. SHGT used for physical
enhancement should not be subjected to more stringent controls
than other therapies with similar goals such as appetite suppressants
and hair growth stimulators. The issues raised by SHGT are not
unique. They warrant the same consideration that is given to other
medical interventions.
Voelker, Rebecca. 1993. The genetic
revolution: despite perfection of elegant techniques, ethical
answers still elusive. JAMA. 270(19):2273
Abstract: The rise of novel genetic technologies has initiated
several debates
regarding the appropriate and ethical use of gene therapy. Gene
therapy studies should be carefully designed, be stringently reviewed
and include an extensive informed consent process. At this time,
the American Society of Human Genetics discourages genetic screening
of patients without a family history of disease. Genetic testing
will allow early diagnosis and treatment of disease. However,
it may have widespread consequences such as needless mental pain,
discrimination and stigmatization due to genetic diagnoses that
never developed into actual diseases. Physicians will be forced
to determine whether or not to give out patient information to
relatives who may be affected by similar genetic diseases. In
addition, training of health counselors, medical students and
doctors should include genetic counseling techniques.
Wivel, Nelson A. ; LeRoy Walters. 1993. Germ-line gene modification
and disease prevention: some medical and ethical perspectives.
Science. 262(5133):533
Abstract: There has been considerable debate about the ethics
of human germ-line gene modification. As a result of recent advances
in the micromanipulation of embryos and the laboratory development
of transgenic mice, a lively discussion has begun concerning both
the technical feasibility and the ethical acceptability of human
germ-line modification for the prevention of serious disease.
This article summarizes some of the recent research on germ-line
gene modification in animal models. Certain monogenic deficiency
diseases that ultimately might be candidates for correction by
germ-line intervention are identified. Several of the most frequently
considered ethical issues relative to human germ-line gene modification
are considered in the context of professional ethics, parental
responsibility, and
public policy. Finally, it is suggested that there is merit in
continuing the discussion about human germ-line intervention,
so that this technique can be carefully compared with alternative
strategies for preventing genetic disease.
Ward, Darrell E. 1993. Gene therapy: the splice of life. USA
Today. 121(2572):63
Advances in the ability to manipulate genes presents a variety
of
ethical and social questions. Gene therapy could be used to improve
the quality of life, but it could also have a variety of negative
effects such as contributing to the devaluation of the handicapped.
Roberts, Leslie. 1989. Ethical questions haunt new genetic technologies.
Science. 243(4895): 1134.
Culliton, Barbara J. 1984. Congress
reports on gene therapy. Science. 226:1404
Office of Technology Assessment report
Jaroff, Leon. 1999. Success Stories: The verdict on the pioneering
children of gene therapy: so far, so good. Time. 153(1):72
Ashanthi DeSilva was first recipient of successful gene therapy
Mahato RI; Smith LC; Rolland A. 1999. Pharmaceutical perspectives
of nonviral gene therapy.
Advances in Genetics. 41:95-156.
Zanjani ED; Anderson WF. 1999.
Review: Medicine - Prospects for in utero human gene therapy.
Science. 285(5436):2084-2088
Abstract: Gene therapy for the treatment of disease in children
and adults is being actively pursued at many medical centers.
However, a number of genetic disorders result in irreversible
damage to the fetus before birth. In these cases, as well as for
those with genetic diseases who may benefit from therapy before
symptoms are manifested, in utero gene therapy (IUGT) could be
beneficial. Although some successes with in utero gene transfer
have been reported in animals, significant questions remain to
be answered before IUGT clinical trials would be acceptable. This
review analyzes the state of the art and delineates the studies
that still need to be performed before it would be appropriate
to consider human IUGT.
Zelenin AV; Kaigorodov VA; Prasolov
VS. 1998. Gene therapy today and tomorrow.
Molecular Biology. 32(2): 188-196.
Abstract: Gene therapy is an approach to curing diseases based
on delivering genetic constructs into the patient's organism.
The curative effect is due either to expression of the inserted
gene or to partial or complete inhibition of a "sick"
or overexpressed gene function. Born in mid-80s at the junction
of biology and medicine, gene therapy becomes more and more widespread
and deserves the right to be considered the medicine of the XXI
century. Although the practical medical achievements of gene therapy
are yet extremely modest, and it is early to speak about at least
a single case of complete healing by such treatment, the extensive
studies in all leading countries of the world with generous financial
support allow one to expect a quick breakthrough of the gene therapy
technologies into medical practice. The review deals with the
basic genetic constructs used in gene therapy, the ways of their
delivery into the cells and tissues, as well as with the most
important routes of their possible application in medicine. The
problems of genetic safety and the ethical aspects of gene therapy
are discussed.
Anderson, WF. 1998. Human gene therapy. Nature. 392: (6679)
25-30, Suppl. S
Abstract: Although gene therapy as a treatment for disease holds
great promise, progress in developing effective clinical protocols
has been slow. The problem lies in the development of safe and
efficient gene-delivery systems. This review will evaluate the
problems and the potential solutions in this new field of medicine.
Hart IR. 1996. Transcriptionally
targeted gene therapy. Current Topics in Microbiology and
Immunology. 213:19-25.
Kohn DB; Parkman R. 1997. Gene therapy for newborns. FASEB
Journal. 11(8):635-639.
Abstract: Application of gene therapy to treat genetic and infectious
diseases may have several advantages if performed in newborns.
Because of the minimal adverse effect of the underlying disease
on cells of the newborn, the relatively small size of infants,
and the large amount of future growth, gene therapy may be more
successful in newborns than in older children or adults. The presence
of umbilical cord blood from newborns provides a unique and susceptible
target for the genetic modification of hematopoietic stem cells.
In our first trial of gene therapy in newborns, we inserted a
normal adenosine deaminase gene into umbilical cord blood cells
of three neonates with a congenital immune deficiency. The trial
demonstrated the successful transduction and engraftment of stem
cells, which continue to contribute to leukocyte production more
than 3 years later. A similar approach may be taken to insert
genes that inhibit replication of HIV-1 into umbilical cord blood
cells of HIV-1-infected neonates. Many other metabolic and infectious
disorders could be treated by gene therapy during the neonatal
period if prenatal diagnoses are made and the appropriate techical
and regulatory requirements have been met.
Debabov VG. 1997. DNA vaccination
and gene therapy based on transient expression of nucleic acids
in human and animal somatic cells. Molecular Biology. 31(2):172-177
Abstract: DNA of plasmids and viruses deficient in replication
in animal and human cells is preserved in the cell for a long
time without being integrated in the genome, and governs synthesis
of the encoded proteins for weeks and months. The same applies
to RNA-containing viruses. Such prolonged transient expression
combined with improved techniques of DNA and RNA transfer to animal
and human cells and organs in vivo become the basis for gene therapy
and new-generation vaccines.
Cohen Haguenauer O . 1997. Gene
therapy: Regulatory issues and international approaches to regulation.
Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 8(3):361-369.
Bank A. 1996. Human somatic cell gene therapy. Bioessays.
18(12):999-1007
Abstract: The prelude to successful human somatic gene therapy,
i.e. the efficient transfer and expression of a variety of human
genes into target cells, has already been accomplished in several
systems. Safe methods have been devised to do this using non-viral
and viral vectors. Potentially therapeutic genes have been transferred
into many accessible cell types, including hematopoietic cells,
hepatocytes and cancer cells, in several different approaches
to ex vivo gene therapy. Successful in vivo gene therapy requires
improvements in tissue-targeting and new vector design, which
are already being sought. Gene-transfer protocols have been approved
for human use in inherited diseases, cancer and acquired disorders.
Although the results of these trials to date have been somewhat
disappointing, human somatic cell gene therapy promises to be
an effective addition to the arsenal of approaches to the therapy
of many human diseases in the 21st century if not sooner.
Morrison SJ; Uchida N; Weissman
IL. 1995. The biology of hematopoietic stem cells. Annaul Review
of Cell and Developmental Biology. 11:35-71.
Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are the only cells in
the blood-forming tissues that can give rise to all blood cell
types and that can self-renew to produce more HSC. In mouse and
human, HSC represent up to 0.05% of cells in the bone marrow.
HSC are almost entirely responsible for the radioprotective and
short- and long-term reconstituting effects observed after bone
marrow transplantation. The subsets of HSC that give rise to short-term
vs long-term multilineage reconstitution can be separated by phenotype,
demonstrating that the fates of HSC are intrinsically determined.
Here we review the ontogeny and biology of HSC, their expression
of fate-determining genes, and the clinical importance of HSC
for transplantation and gene therapy.
L edley FD. 1995. After gene-therapy
issues in long-term clinical follow-up and care.
Advances in Genetics. 32:1-16.
b. Books
Lyon, Jeff. Altered
fates : gene therapy and the retooling of human life. New
York : Norton, c1995
Rudolph, Frederick B. and Larry V. McIntire,eds. Biotechnology : science, engineering, and ethical challenges for the twenty-first century. Washington, D.C. : Joseph Henry Press, 1996
Kevles, Daniel J. and Leroy Hood,
eds. The Code of codes : scientific and social issues in the
Human Genome Project. Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University
Press, 1992
Thompson, Larry. Correcting the code : inventing the genetic
cure for the human body. New York : Simon & Schuster,
c1994
Lee, Thomas F. Gene future : the promise and perils of the new biology. New York : Plenum, c1993
Annas, George J. and Sherman Elias,
eds. Gene mapping : using law and ethics as guides.
New York : Oxford University Press, 1992
Bishop, Jerry E. Genome : the story of the most astonishing scientific adventure of our time--the attempt to map all the genes in the human body. New York, N.Y. : Simon & Schuster, c1990
Murray, Thomas H. , Mark A. Rothstein,
and Robert F. Murray, Jr, eds. The Human Genome Project and
the future of health care. Bloomington : Indiana University
Press, c1996
Human gene therapy. Washington, D.C. : Congress of the
United States, Office of Technology Assessment, 1984
Nichols, Eve K. Human gene therapy.
Cambridge, Mass. : Harvard University Press, 1988
(RB155.8 .N53 1988)
Leder, Philip, David A. Clayton,
Edward Rubenstein, eds. Scientific American introduction to
molecular medicine. New York, NY : Scientific American, c1994.
(RB155 .S36 1994)
Back to the top
c. Websites
www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcrc/gene/inttext.htm
A comprehensive list of sites about
gene therapy, antisense technology, virology, pharmacokinetics,
and vectors, even DNA testing.
www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/gcrc/gene/index.html
Above site is from here, a course
site that includes lecture materials, background information,
and references.
www.cbt.ki.se/ewgt/HomePage/Index.html
European Working Group on Human Gene
Transfer and Therapy Organizational information
www.stockton-press.co.uk/gt/
Gene Therapy, Monthly journal, available
full-text, (PDF).
www.genemed.org
Gene Med Network. Self-described "hub
site for the 21st century molecular medicine." Resource center
for gene-related web sites. Special listings for journals, articles,
and clinical trials.
www.natx.com
Genebrowser: The Biotechnology &
Gene Therapy Web 'Cite'. Comprehensive list of gene and gene therapy
related websites, sponsored by Nature Technology Corporation.
www.med.upenn.edu/ihgt/index.html
The Institute for Human Gene Therapy
University of Pennsylvania site; information library and seminar
listings. An explanation of gene therapy and its' prospects, seminars,
events, news, educational programs, and other areas. Providing
a foundation for basic research necessary to
assure the success of human gene therapy.
www.wiley.co.uk/genetherapy/
Journal of Gene Medicine. Journal
website includes online articles as well as "preprints"
(original articles and reviews posted after editorial approval
but before publication in print), and a database of ongoing and
published clinical trials.
cancernet.nci.nih.gov/clinpdq/therapy/Questions_and_Answers_About_Gene_Therapy.html
NCI Cancer Facts: Questions and Answers
About Gene Therapy FAQ oriented toward patient
information.
www.library.utoronto.ca/medicine/gene-therapy/default.htm
Toronto Gene Therapy Network University
of Toronto information site, with emphasis on clinical trials
and abstracts.
www.med.upenn.edu/bioethic/webget
WebGET: Web Genetics and Ethics Resource
Project University of Pennsylvania database on regulations, laws,
policies, and ethics.
www.asgt.org
Official site for the American Society
of Gene Therapy (ASGT). Meet members of committees addressing
ethics, publications, and regulations. Works on treating AIDS,
cancer, and neuromuscular disorders.
www.pitt.edu/~rsup/phgt/
Pittsburgh Human Gene Therapy Center.
The mission of the Center is to foster the growth and development
of multidisciplinary preclinical and clinical research programs
aimed at the use of genetransfer technologies to treat human diseases.
Look over the core labs, pilot studies, and training programs.
www.newsfile.com/x1g.htm
Gene Therapy Weekly. Weekly newspaper provides a factsheet, events
calendar, and archive of articles.
www.wnet.org/archive/innovation/index.html
Innovation: Cracking the Code. Webpages
for a WNET public television series on advances in biotechnology.
Includes two pages on gene therapy and related developments, a
glossary, and an elegant animated Gene Therapy Primer on how viruses
are used to introduce therapeutic genes to
target cells. [Animation requires the Shockwave Flash plug-in.]
www.dnafiles.org/home.html
a radio journey through the world
of genetics.The DNA Files Is Our Fate In Our Genes? Including:
the human genome project: Mapping the Future; Gene Therapy: Medicine
for Your Genes; DNA & Behavior: Is Our Fate in Our Genes?;
Genetics & Biotechnology: DNA in the Marketplace; Prenatal
Genetic Testing: Do You Really Want to Know Your Baby's Future?;
Predictive Genetic Testing: Do You Really Want to Know Your Future?;
Law & the Genetics of Identity: The Science of DNA Fingerprinting;
The Genetics of Human Evolution: Where Did We Come From? Where
Did We Go?; Plants, animals, & transgenics: A Tomato By Any
Other Name.
piebald.princeton.edu/mb427/1997/students/therapy/main.html
Applying genomics to disease and therapy.
Overview, Mouse Genomics, Viral Vectors for Gene Delivery, Cystic
Fibrosis as an Example, Ethical Issues
www.biol.tsukuba.ac.jp/~macer/NBBGT.html
A huge list of gene therapy and genetics
resources from 1994-1999 including technical journals, religious
journals, other journals, book reviews. Not highly organized.
www.gene.com/AE/AB/IWT/Gene_Therapy_Overview.html
health.phillynews.com/encyclopedia/edpicks/gene
A series of articles on IHGT from
1995-1996, including therapies for blindness, cancer, and cystic
fibrosis.
www.med.upenn.edu/~bioethic/genetics/articles.html
Articles on the ethics of genetic
engineering and comments on them. From the philosophical to
more practical.
www.mayohealth.org/mayo/9908/htm/genether.htm
"Gene Therapy: a bright future"
an article about SCID-ADA treatment in 1990 and potential applications.
Links to articles about the human genome project, transgenic mice,
and gene therapy for pain.
www.nih.gov/od/orda/panelrep.htm
Report and recommendations of the
panel to assess the NIH investment in research on gene therapy.
December 7, 1995.
http://www.bifrost.is/greinSveins07.html
Sveinn Ólafsson. Genetic information
in Iceland.
An article published in the Scandinavian Public Library Quarterly
in 1999.
This article describes the foundation of a nationwide health database
in Iceland. The
database was established with an Act, which took force on January
1st, 1999. The idea for
this database came from deCODE, a company that proposes to make
use of the homogenity
and the vast genealogical information of the Icelandic nation
to develop better drugs for
common diseases. The company is a genomics research company, and
is currently working
with Hoffmann La-Roche. It will gain a 12-year monopoly on building
such a database. The
formation of the database brings up ethical questions, and new
possibilities for health
management, as well as a promise of better cure and more potent
drugs for all.
http://genetics.about.com/education/genetics/?REDIR_404=yes
About.com Guide to: Genetics
www.seattletimes.com/news/nation-world/html98/altgene_011299.html
Schwartz, John. Tuesday, January 12,
1999. Iceland sells its people's genetic code to biotech
firm. Washington Post.
Iceland has decided to become the first country in the world to
sell the rights to the entire population's genetic code to a biotechnology
company -- a move that is highlighting the promise and risks of
the genetic information age.
web-cr02.pbs.org/saf/3_ask/archive/qna/3283_kstefansson.html
Iceland Genes -- Kari Stefansson
DeCode Genetics studies the unique genetic heritage of Iceland's
population. What makes Icelanders unique -- and what does the
company hope to find? To learn more, read answers about this topic
from deCode Genetics president, Kari Stefansson.
www.decode.is
Company website. Click on English
version.
www.mannvernd.is/english/
Association of Icelanders for Ethics
in Science and Medicine. Welcome to the home page of MANNVERND
the organized opposition to the Icelandic government's Act on
a Health Sector Database (HSD).
members.tripod.com/ca916/index-8.html
Legislation in Iceland, passed on
December 17. 1998, has given a private company permission to build
a central database of health records for the entire nation. The
legislation, which has been very controversial, poses some important
ethical and legal issues that are not unique to Iceland.
genetics.nature.com/web_specials/editorial_1098/
Article from Nature Genetics about
deCode.
euler.ntu.ac.uk/lsstaff/rect1.html
Palmer, Trevor. Rectifying God's Mistakes?
The Diagnosis and Treatment of Inherited Disorders. Based on an
Inaugural Professorial Lecture and Fourth Gerald Leadbeater Memorial
Lecture, given January 1991.
Abstract:
For many years, chromatographic techniques have played an important
role in the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism. Quantitative
amino acid analysis of a physiological specimen can be carried
out in a few hours by ion exchange chromatography, and in an even
shorter period of time by reversed-phase chromatography, though
without achieving the same degree of separation. Despite their
diagnostic value, such techniques provide no information about
the precise nature of the genetic mutation responsible for the
disorder, but gene structure may now be investigated directly
by the use of restriction endonucleases and Southern blotting
procedures, or by sequencing following amplification by the polymerase
chain reaction. DNA technology allows precise diagnosis within
a family, once characteristics have been determined; however,
because of genetic heterogeneity, findings in one family cannot
be assumed to apply to an unrelated family.
Dietary therapy has proved very effective in relieving symptoms
in some inborn errors, such as phenylketonuria, but not in others.
Even when effective, strict dietary therapy has to be maintained
for years, if not for life. Enzyme replacement therapy offers
a more fundamental approach to the treatment of inherited metabolic
disease; various forms have been used in the attempted treatment
of, for example, lysosomal storage disorders, but only bone marrow
transplantation has been effective. An even more fundamental approach
is gene therapy, in which a normal human gene may be introduced
by means of a retrovirus or other vector into cells where that
gene is defective. Ethical concerns about gene therapy have been
addressed, and the first trials started.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A28238-1999Dec7.html
Weiss, Rick and Deborah Nelson. "Methods
faulted in fatal gene therapy." Washington Post.
Dec. 8,1999, p. A1.
washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-12/09/210l-120999-idx.html
Weiss, Rick and Deborah Nelson. "Gene
Researcher Defends Test on Teen." Washington Post.
December 9, 1999, p. A06
washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPlate/1999-12/10/108l-121099-idx.html
Weiss, Rick and Deborah Nelson. "Gene
Researchers Apologize for Lapses in Teen's Fatal
Treatment." Washington Post. December 10, 1999, p.
A06
During yet another day of new revelations of problems in a fatal
University of
Pennsylvania gene therapy experiment, researchers apologized for
their lapses while
parents of sick children pleaded with federal regulators not to
slow the pace of research
on inherited diseases.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/health/A43131-1999Dec10.html
Weiss, Rick. "Gene Therapy Firms
Resist Publicity." Washington Post. December 11, 1999,
p.
A2
Federal officials overseeing the field of gene therapy searched
in vain yesterday for
common ground between drug companies that want to keep the details
of their
experiments secret and advocates who favor a more open airing
of the field's recently
revealed problems.
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