Save your DNA for future Generations

DNA in the diagnosis of Genetic diseases

Traditional laboratory tests for the diagnosis of genetic diseases are mostly based on the estimation of metabolites and/ or enzymes. This is usually done after the onset of symptoms. 

The laboratory test based on DNA analysis can specifically diagnose the inherited diseases at the genetic level. DNA based tests are useful to discover, well in advance , whether the individuals or their offsprings are at risk for any genetic disease. Further, such tests can also be employed for the prenatal diagnosis of hereditary diseases.

By knowing the genetic basis of the diseases, the individuals can be advised on how to limit the transmission of the disease to their offsprings. It may also be possible , in due course of time, to treat genetic diseases by appropriate gene therapies.

Theoretically, it is possible to develop screening tests for all single gene diseases, some of the genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease, Fragile X syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Cancers, Diabetes, Deafness, Glaucoma, Baldness, Parkinson's disease, Hemochromatosis, Menke's disease etc.,

A Novel concept of Gene Bank

As the search continues by scientists for the identification of more and more genes responsible for various diseases, the enlightened public, is very keen to enjoy the fruits of this research outcome. As of now, DNA probes are available for a large number of genetically predisposed disorders.

Gene banks are the centres for the storage of individual's DNAs for the future use to diagnose diseases. For this purpose, the DNA isolated from a person's cells( usually white blood cells) is stored. As and when a DNA probe for the detection of a specific disease is available, the stored DNA can be used for the diagnosis or risk assessment of the said genetic disease.

Infact, some institutions have established gene banks. They store the DNA samples of the interested customers at a fee( one firm was charging 200 dollars) for a specific period ( say around 20-25 years). For the risk assessment of any disease,  it is advisable to have the DNAs from close relatives of atleast 2-3 generations.

The collection of DNA fragments ( specifically genes) from a particular species represents gene libraries. The creation or construction of gene libraries is accomplished by isolating the complete genome which is cut into fragments , and  cloned in suitable vectors. Then the specific clone carrying the desired( target) DNA can be identified, isolated and characterized. In this manner,  a library of genes or clones (appropriately considered as gene bank)  for an entire genome of a species can be constructed.

Biotechnologists are particularly interested in the isolation of genes which encode for proteins.
Gene banks exist to conserve the genetic diversity of wild and domesticated organisms that humans depend on for food, fiber, medicine and energy.

Over 7 million plant germplasm accessions are housed in 1750 national and international gene banks. Most accessions are poorly characterized; few are ever used.

Grand challenges of DNA Bank

1. Population and income growth
2.  Land and water resources
3. climate change
4. Nutrition, Health, Biosafety
5. Sustainability

 References

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_bank

http://www.agriinfo.in/default.aspx?page=topic&superid=3&topicid=2116 

http://b4fa.org/bioscience-in-brief/plantbreeding/gene-bank/ 

why popular one of the " Big Five " animal is now extinct?

 

"Rhinos are the one of the oldest group of mammals, virtually living fossil fuels. They play an important role in their habitats and rhinos are an important source of income in ecotourism".

Rhino horns are valuable in some east Asian countries. There is a belief that the horn possesses medicinal properties. These beliefs however, hold no scientific weight.

The growing demand from the Asian market is the main threat to all Rhino species. While the southern Rhinos is not endangered because of successful conservation efforts. 

Illegal wildlife trade

International trade in Rhino has been banned under the convention on international trade in endangered species of Fauna & Flora (CITES). A global agreement between governments to follow rules to monitor, regulate or ban international trade in species under threat - since 1977, demand remain high and fuels rhino poaching in both africa and asia.

Criminal syndicates link the killing fields in the country like south africa through a series of transit points and smuggling channels to the final destination in Asia.

 The main markets are now in countries like vietnam and china where Rhino has become a party drug, a health supplement and a hangover cure. In, vietnam there is also a newly emerged belief that Rhino horn cures cancer.

Habitat loss

As economic development, logging, agricultural degrade and destroy wildlife habitats, Rhino populations are declining.

Those remaining Rhinos live in fragmented, isolated areas and are prone to inbreeding, as healthy genetic mixing is more difficult among smaller groups.

Disease can also spread rapidly through these highly- concentrated populations. The increase in human population also puts pressure on Rhino habitats as well, shrinking the living space  for Rhinos and increasing the livelihood of contact with humans - often with fatal results.

" The recovery of the greater one horned Rhino is among the greatest conservation success stories in Asia. However, the species remarkable recovery has been constrained by a lack of adequate habitat".

"Currently, 85% of all greater one-horned Rhinos are concentrated in just two locations in India and Nepal".  

Measures for protection

To ensure protection, establishment of new population by translocating Rhino to protected areas with suitable habitat within the species historic range. Translocating will also allow to expand into new territories and will also decrease densities, leading to increased breeding rates. 

Systematic monitoring programs to measure the health and status of resident and newly translocated Rhinos and supporting effective anti-poaching measures.

 Does goodbye to the last male northern white rhinoceros mean the end of the species?

And now the last male has died. So, what does that mean for the future of the northern white rhino? Well, it's not looking good, but all is not lost. While neither Najin nor Fatu has been deemed able to carry a baby to term, over the years, sperm has been banked from northern white rhino males not related to either female. 

Scientists are hoping to use in vitro fertilization to fertilize the eggs of the two females and implant them into southern white rhino female surrogates. Although in vitro fertilization is commonly successful in humans and cows, it hasn't yet succeeded with a rhino.
It will obviously require heroic, and perhaps ultimately fruitless, efforts to save the northern white rhino, but maybe the endeavor will lead to breakthroughs that will save even a few of the thousands of species currently facing extinction.

Some white- Rhino facts    

• Square lipped
• They are the largest five- Rhino species.
• Their distinctive feauture are a hump on the back, a square broad lip used for grazing & three toes of each foot.
• They can grow upto 4 meters long and upto 1.5 meter in length. Their weight typically ranges between 1.3 - 3.6 tones for adults.
• They have two horns made of keratin ( the same as in the human teeth) with the front horn reaching an average of 90 cm in length.  

References

http://www.walkthroughindia.com/wildlife/7-best-national-park-spot-one-horned-rhinos-india/ 

https://www.theonion.com/michelle-obama-seen-outside-walking-family-rhinoceros-1819575131 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_rhinoceros 

https://www.britannica.com/animal/rhinoceros-mammal 

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/20/science/rhino-sudan-extinct.html 

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/20/opinions/sudan-rhino-death-opinion-filipovic/index.html 

 

Don't imagine like you have a cancer : An imaginary cancer is incurable

Cancer is the leading cause of death throughout the world

Oncogenes are the genes that are responsible for cancer. some people have an increased risk of particular types of cancer because they have an inherited gene fault.

Genes are coded messages that tells cells how to behave. They control how our bodies grow and develop. we each have about 25000 genes.

All cancers develop because something has gone wrong with one or more of the genes in a cell. A change in a gene is called a ‘fault’ or ‘mutation’. Usually a cell must have 6 or more gene faults before it becomes cancerous.

These faults can make a cell stop working properly. It may then become cancerous and divide and grow uncontrollably. Most gene changes happens during our life time but some can be inherited from the parents.

Cancers due to inherited faulty genes are much less common than cancers due to gene changes caused by aging or other factors. Most cancers develop because of a combination of chance and our environment, not because we have inherited a specific cancer gene.

Genetics specialists estimate that only about 2 or 3 in every 100 cancers 

diagnosed (2 to 3%) are linked to an inherited gene fault.

We've all wondered whether an ache or pain could be the sign of something more sinister. For most of us it's a fleeting worry, quickly forgotten when the symptom disappears. For hypochondriacs, however, that sense of anxiety never goes away. Then there's psychosomatic illness: when people unconsciously think themselves ill.
 

 

'I think I've probably thought I had cancer in nearly every part of my body, from skin cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, lymphoma, leukaemia. I also sometimes worry about other conditions like MS or motor neurone disease, meningitis, septicaemia ... but cancer is the biggest worry that I have '

'Everything that happens to us, like crying and laughter, is a physical response to an emotional thing,''When we laugh, our diaphragm contracts and our breathing changes and our muscles in our face scrunch up and tears come from our eyes.'

Something is happening in the brain, but we don't understand it yet.'
 

 Gene therapy for cancer

 

Advances in biochemistry and molecular biology have helped to understand the genetic basis of inherited diseases. It was the dream of the researchers to replace the defective genes with good ones and cure the genetic disorder.

Initial experiments on gene therapy are carried out in animals, then in humans. obviously, the goal of the researches is to benefit the mankind & improve their health.

Anti sense therapy 

 

The dominantly acting oncogenes can be targeted in antisense technology by using antisense transgenes or oligonucleotides. Antisense oligonucleotides are used for the treatment of myeloid leukemia in as early as 1991.

This an be done by blocking the translation of target mRNA and inhibits the protein synthesis which is responsible for cell division.

Anitsense mRNA therapy was tried for the treatment of a brain tumour namely malignant glioma and cancer of prostate gland.

Theoritically, gene therapy is the permanent solution for genetic disorders. But it is not as simple as it appears since gene therapy has several inbuilt complexcities. The story does not ends by replacing oncogenes with new genes.

"It is absolutely essential to ensure that the gene is harmless to the patient and it is appropriately expressed "

" Too much or too little will be no good"

 Another concern in gene therapy is the body's immune system which reacts to the foreign proteins produced by the new genes.

" The public in general have an exaggerated expectations on gene therapy. The researchers,atleast for the present,are unable to satisfy them".

Are you ready to eat an protein extracted from microorganisms? Have you heard about Pekilo,quorn?

We always think about meats,eggs and vegetables when we want protein rich foods. The quality and quantity of protein content in microorganisms is better compared to higher plants and animals.

 

 IT IS SINGLE-CELL PROTEINS !!

Single cell proteins broadly refers to the microbial biomass or protein extract used as food or feed additive. 

It is the total protein extracted from pure microbial culture (monoculture) which can be used as protein supplement for humans or animals. It is regarded as feed grade,when it is used as animal feed supplements.

Besides high protein content (60-80% of dry cell weight ) SCP also contains fats,carbohydrates, nucleic acids,vitamins and minerals.

It is rich in certain essential amino acids (lysine,methionine) which are usually limiting in most plant and animal foods.

SCP is of high nutritional value for human or animal consumption.

ADVANTAGES OF USING MICROORGANISMS FOR SCP PRODUCTION

     
The protein producing capabilities of a 250 kg cow and 250 g of microorganisms are often compared. The cow can produce about 200 g protein per day. On the other hand, microorganisms theoretically,when grown under ideal conditions, could produce about 20-25 tonnes of protein. 

1.  Microrganisms grow at a very rapid rate under optimal conditions.some microbes double their mass inless than 30 minutes.
2.  A wide range of raw materials, which are otherwise wasted, can be fruitfully used for SCP production.
3. The culture conditions and the fermentation process are very simple.
4. Microorganisms can be easily handled, and subjected to genetic manipulations.

So what is Pekilo and quorn? Lets see

Pekilo

A  SCP  produced from a filamentous fungi, Paecilomyces variotii.

It was produced by fermentation of wastes such as molasses, whey, sulphite liquor and agricultural wastes.

Pekilo was rich in proteins,vitamins and minerals.

It is used as animal feed for claves, pigs,chickens and hens without any adverse affects.

It is unfortunate that the production of pekilo has been discontinued at most places due to economic and commercial considerations.

Quorn

It is a mycoprotein produced from the fungus Fusarium graminearum.

Quorn is the trade name for Fusarium mycoprotein produced in Britain by Marlow foods (ICI in association with Bank-Hovis-McDougall)

Reduction in RNA content is desirable to make the product acceptable for human consumption.This is because human have a very limited capacity to digest nucleic acids.

Besides being rich in essential nutrients, mycoproteins has a good content of dietary fibre.

There are several advantages of fiber consumption prevents constipation, decreases intestinal cancers, improves glucose tolerance and reduces serum cholestrol.

Limitations for use of SCP 

  It is desirable to first consider the safety, acceptability and toxicology of SCP, particularly when it is considered for human consumption. 

1. High nucleic acid content- humans have limited capacity to degrade nucleic acids. 
2. Presence of carcinogenic and other toxic substances due to the nature and production of these compounds depends on raw materials,and the type og organism used.
3. Possiblity of contamination of pathogenic microorganisms.
4. Digestion of SCP is slow, associated with indigeation and allergic reactions in individuals.

However, countries like Japan, Britain, Italy continue their efforts to produce SCP from cheap raw materials such as organic wastes. 

REFERENCES:

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paecilomyces_variotii

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/single-cell-protein

http://biomaster2011.blogspot.in/2011/03/use-of-filamentous-fungus-as-single.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0377840177900177

https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ajft.2011.103.116




                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

Animals as Factories : Transgenic animals in xenotransplantation (Do you have an idea about cloning your pet?!)

TRANSGENESIS

 
Transgenesis is wonderfully utilized for production proteins of pharmaceutical and medical use. Infact, any protein synthesized in the human body can be made in the transgenic animals, provided that that the genes are correctly programmed.

The advantage with transgenic animals is to produce scarce human proteins in huge quantities. Thus, the animals serving as factories for production of biologically important products are referred to as animal bioreactors or sometimes pharm animals.

Frankly speaking, transgenic animals as bioreactors can be commercially exploited for the benefit of mankind.

Once developed, animal bioreactors are cost-effective for the production of large quantities of human proteins. Routine breeding and healthful living conditions are enough to maintain transgenic animals.

DOLLY- THE TRANSGENIC CLONE

 

Dolly,the sheep , first ever mammal clone was developed by Wilmut and Campbell in 1997.

The technique primarily involves nuclear transfer and the phenomenon of totipotency.  Totipotency is the basic character of embryonic cells. As the embryo develops , the cells specialize to finally give the whole organism. As such, the cells of an adult lack totipotency. Totipotency was induced into the adult cells for developing Dolly.

                                                                                                                                                                         As reported by Wilmut and Campbell, they fused 277 ovum cells, achieved 13 pregnancies, and of these only one pregnancy resulted in live birth of the offspring - Dolly.

 

 

 CLONING OF PET ANIMALS 

 

 Some of the companies involved in transgenic experiments have started cloning pet animals like cats and dogs. 

Little Nicky was the first pet cat that was cloned at a cost of $ 50,00 by an American company ( in Dec.2004). More cloned cats and dogs will be made available to interested parties (who can afford) in due course.

Some people who own pet animals are interested to continue the same pets which is possible through cloning. There is some opposition to this approach as the cloned animals are less healthy, and have shorter life span, besides the high cost factor.

 

TRANSGENIC ANIMALS IN XENOTRANSPLANTATION

 

Organ transplantation ( Kidney, liver, heart etc.) in humans have become one of the advanced surgical practices to replace the defective, non functional or severely damaged organs.

The major limitation of transplantation is the shortage of organ donors. This often results in long waiting times and many unneccessary deaths of organ failure patients.

Xenotransplantation refers to the replacement of failed human organs by the functional animal organs. The major limitation of xenotransplantation is the phenomenon of hypercute organ rejection due to host immune system.

The organ rejection is mainly due to two causes

• The antibodies raised against the foreign organ
• Activation of host's complement system 

 

PIGS IN XENOTRANSPLANTATION !?

Some workers are actively conducting research to utilize organs of pigs in xenotransplantation. It is now identified that that the major reason of pig organs by primates is due to the presence of a special group of disaccharides ( Gal-α 1,3- Gal)  in pigs, and not in primates.  

Another concern of xenotransplantation is that the endogenous pig retroviruses could get asctivated after organ transplantation. This may lead to new genetic changes with unknowun consequences.

The use of transgenic animals in xenotransplantation is only at the laboratory experimental stages, involving animals. It is doubtful whether this will be become a reality in the near future.

There is a vigorous debate concerning the ethics of xenotransplantations and the majority of public are against it.  

 REFERRAL LINKS

 

 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/dec/24/sciencenews.genetics     

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organ_transplantation  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenotransplantation    

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/on-small-business/wp/2017/11/16/for-only-50000-this-texas-company-will-clone-your-pet/?utm_term=.458280c376ba    

 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_(sheep)      

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5617878/                                               

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes to know if you are in this situation

1. Are your blood sugar levels high? 
2. Are your eating habits healthy?
3. What about your weight? Is it average or above average?

         Did you know that if you are overweight, and you have unhealthy eating habits, you could be one of the victims of diabetes?

        Diabetes is a disease that affects almost 400 million people in the world,Slightly more than 5% of the population.

        Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease and is linked to weight gain and bad eating habits.

         Fortunately diabetes is not a silent threat.

Learn more about the symptoms of diabetes to know if you are in this situation:

1

.  Extreme thirst

This is one of the symptoms of diabetes,since our kidneys have to work more in order to eliminate the excess sugar through our urine,dehydration is more frequent.

     

                           

 

        

Extreme hunger

In the case of  type 3 diabetes, our cells don’t have any glucose to produce energy,and that makes your body think that you’re starving.

So the only way for your body to get more energy is by eating,hence the hunger.

      

       Fatigue

The permanent feeling of fatigue is another symptoms of diabetes.

     

 

    Wounds may take longer to heal

Due to high levels of sugar in your body,wounds take longer to heal. This is one of the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and only happens when your diabetic levels are extremely high.

 

   Blurry vision

Another symptom of diabetes is blurry vision. Your crystalline swells up due to excessive amount of sugar in your blood. That alters its shape and flexibility, lessening the focus and blurring your vision.

      

 

                 Low Immunity

This disease weakens your immune system and lessens your body’s ability to fight against infections.

So sensitive and cavity riddled teeth are another of the symptoms of diabetes.

Diabetes is the disease that springs from a sedentary lifestyle,paired with poor eating habits and lack of frequent exercise. Depressed people who spend large amounts of time sleeping are also more likely to suffer from this disease.

The best protection against diabetes are healthy eating habits. choose to eat less sugar and carbohydrates.
  

Here are some recipes that can help your condition:

RAW GARLIC AND IN PILLS

 

Garlic has many and varied benefits, and is used to treat, fight, and prevents several diseases.

Recent studies have shown that garlic can increase insulin production and a hormone that turns glucose into energy and controls type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, consuming large quantities of raw garlic reduces blood sugar levels.

 

 

HOW TO USE THE GARLIC?

EAT RAW

In order to benefit from garlic, you need to eat raw garlic regularly.

Remember that garlic, after it has been warmed up, loses most of its beneficial  properties. if that taste keeps you from being able to eat it , you can take garlic pills or garlic oil.You should consume from  500mg to 1000 mg of a garlic a day, which adds up to 1 or 2 fresh,raw garlic gloves.

DRINK IT

Another alternative would be drinking “garlic water”.

Pour 200 ml of water in a cup and add one minced clove of garlic.

Let it sit so that the garlic’s properties can be absorbed into the water, and drink it throughout the day. At the end of the day throw the garlic away.

Remember that if you eat too much garlic you may suffer from digestive problems.

These recipes are not recommended for people who are allergic to garlic, pregnant or breast feeding women, or children under the age of 4.

I hope this information has let you to know few new things about garlic. Thank you for visiting the page.