1. Bacterial Gene
Therapy
By: Cierra Sizemore

2. What is it?
• The
transplantation
of normal genes
into cells in place
of missing or
defective ones in
order to correct
genetic
disorders.

3. Gene therapy is also known as
Bactofection!

4. Since when?
• 1970's - Discovery
- Researchers isolated certain genes from DNA
• 1980's - Became known
- Coined the name "gene therapy"
• 1990's - First used
- Treated a child with adenosine deaminase
deficiency

5. Steps overview . . .
1. Get DNA you want to
transplant
2. Select type of
bacteria
3. Put DNA into a
bacteria (plasmid
based system)
4. Place in patient
5. It will replicate and
"infect" the body

6. Step one
1. Choose DNA -Different
types for different
diseases/abnormalities

7. Step two
2. Select type of
bacteria
- Different
bacteria will go
to separate
places in the
body

8. Step three
3. Put DNA into
chosen bacteria
- Plasmid based
System
> Using plasmid
or vector as a way of
injecting the
"infected" cells

9. 4. Place in patient
- Can be injected
Step four
- Can be taken
intravenously (IV)
> Into to individuals
tissue which then leaves it up
to cells

10. Step five
5. The bacterial
plasmid will replicate
and create new
healthy cells
> Cells carry the
DNA that is fixing the
issue within the body

11. Different types of cells used
Somatic cells vs. Germline cells
• More common • Reproductive cells
• Less controversial - Sperm and egg
• Make up majority of • More controversial
cells in humans • Used in embryonic
• Already grown cells stage of life
in body • Can affect further
• Can be altered in generations
laboratory

13. Bactofection can be used to kill
CANCER!!
• Specialized cells
(healthy) target
bad cells
• Destroy them
like malignant
cells
- Cancerous cells
- Cell suicide
• AKA oncolysis

14. Disadvantages
• May not always work
- Can attack cells not intended to be
targeted
• Problem cells may not be totally
destroyed forever
• May cause unexpected side effects
• May cause other infections
• Not predictable
• Ethical and Legal issues
• Religious concerns