Molecular biology of adenoviral vectors

• Published in: Cirugia y cirujanos Vol. 74; no. 6; pp. 483 - 493
• Main Authors: Martínez-Flores, Francisco, Jiménez-Orozco, Fausto Alejandro, Villegas-Castrejón, Hilda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Mexico 01-11-2006
• Subjects: Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; Genetic Diseases, Inborn - therapy; Genetic Therapy; Genetic Vectors - genetics; Genetic Vectors - therapeutic use; Genome, Viral; Humans; Male; Mastadenovirus - genetics; Mastadenovirus - physiology; Mastadenovirus - ultrastructure; Transcription, Genetic; Transduction, Genetic; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms - therapy; Virus Replication
• ISSN: 0009-7411

Gene therapy is based on the use of DNA as a therapeutic material as an alternative therapeutic tool for treatment of human diseases. All proteins are codified into the DNA and several diseases result from the absence or aberrant expression of one or related genes, absence of expression of functional proteins, and alterations for regulation process in transport and degradation mechanisms. In this regard, several diseases could be potentially treated through the expression of the normal form of the involved protein. However, the main objective is to achieve a successful genetic material delivery into the target site and avoid the destruction of DNA or the selected vehicle before arrival at the final destination. Several efficient viral gene transfer systems have been developed. Viral-mediated gene delivery for experimental models has been designed from herpes virus (HV), adenovirus (adenovirous), adeno-associated virus (AAV) and retroviruses (lentiviral vectors). In this review we will discuss the specific biological and cloning properties of adenoviral vectors as a gene transfer tool and potential medical implications for gene therapy.