Scientists have found a new way to overcome one of the biggest obstacles to the use of viruses for therapeutic genes.
 
Scientists from the Institute for research at national level have found a way to overcome one of the biggest obstacles to the use of viruses for administration of therapeutic genes, that is, how to prevent the immune system to neutralize the virus before it has delivered its genetic set.
 
Gene therapy is one of the most promising possibilities for the treatment of genetic disorders such as muscular dystrophy, congenital blindness and hemophilia. Scientists explore gene therapy as a cure for certain types of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, viral infections and other acquired diseases. In order to obtain a therapeutic gene into cells, scientists use viruses that deliver its genetic material in cells as part of their normal replication process.
 
Again and again, these efforts were thwarted by the very immune system of the body that damages each viral vector. Thus the therapeutic gene can be delivered to diseased cells and disease raging in full force.
 
A team led by Louis-Rodino Klapak, PhD, and Jerry Mendel, MD, principal investigator in the Center for Gene Therapy at Nationwide, show for the first time that using a process called plasmapheresis, just before delivery of the virus for gene therapy he is protected long enough to enter the cell and deliver their genetic material.
 
In a study of gene therapy for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), Dr. Rodino-Klapak using plasmapheresis in a large animal model, and then injected a virus carrying the gene micro-dystrophin. When studying the level of gene expression of the micro-dystrophin in animals, it was found that there is a 500% increase in the gene expression in the animals who received a plasmapheresis.
 
Dr. Mendel believes that right now, gene therapy seems to work best in patients who have antibodies to the virus. It is this virus is used to supply the necessary gene. It is exactly this gene, which is a therapeutic, curative intent of the organism suffering from a disease. On the other hand, it limits the number of patients who can benefit from gene therapy. This is because in very few patients lacking antibodies against the virus.

Using the method of plasmapheresis repeatedly increases the potential of gene therapy, as this eliminates the obstacle called immune response of the organism.
 
As gene therapy becomes more widespread, it may be necessary, patients receiving more than one course of treatment.
 
The main problem is that when you go home after the first treatment, their body develops antibodies to the virus used to deliver the therapeutic gene. The use of plasma in a patient who previously received gene therapy may allow him to be treated again.

Description:

1. Prima is an automated system for extracting DNA and RNA from blood, saliva or other biological fluid samples, solid tissues and plant samples. This workstation is based on magnetic bead technology and it is able to process up to 24 samples at a time in less than 100 minutes.

It is possible to use one of the recommended and validated extraction kits, whose automatic protocol is already available, or to test and employ other magnetic bead-based kits or specific protocols, counting on customized management for each lab.

1. Prima has a high throughput capacity and allows extraction of highly-pure DNA or RNA, various downstream applications can be run on this platform, such as PCR, real-time PCR, sequencing libraries, microarray, enzymatic analysis.

Moreover, as all OMNIA workstations, Prima is very flexible so that it can be used for plate preparation and automatic pipetting to perform many protocols that can be quickly programmed.

Main features

• Easy and fast extraction from up to 24 blood, saliva or other biological fluid samples, tissues and plant samples without wasting of reagents or consumables
• Use of several validated commercial kits or test of specific kits
• High purity of extracted nucleic acid (A260/280 ratio DNA: 1.7-1.9, RNA: 1.9-2.1)
• High performance in downstream applications such as PCR and qPCR
• Decontamination through UV light
• Workstation suitable for other autosampling and liquid handling protocols
• User-friendly software with wireless remote control

Manufacturer: MASMEC

Description:

OMNIA LH is a fully automated workstation that allows handling of different fluids, dispensing of various components, homogeneous mixing of even small volumes, multiwell plate preparation and replication, biobanking.

1. easy programming, OMNIA LH can carry out a wide range of protocols accurately and quickly: PCR amplification, real-time qPCR, reverse transcription, methylation, library preparation for next-generation sequencing.

Genomics

• DNA-RNA extraction
• PCR setup
• Real-time qPCR setup
• Reverse transcription setup
• Sequencing setup
• Agarose gel electrophoresis
• DNA purification

Sample preparation

• Plate preparation
• Plate replication
• Autosampling
• Biobanking

Proteomics

Immunology

Main features

• Extreme flexibility of use
• User-friendly graphic interface
• Quick programming of every applicable protocol
• Easy protocol selection from libraries
• Monitoring of activities, also remotely
• Sample traceability
• Customized configuration
• Modular design
• Additional devices available

Manufacturer: MASMEC

Human stem cells taken from an embryo or fetus delay the development of fatal brain and nerve diseases in mice, researchers reported.

The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine and is the first study in which human embryonic stem cells have been successfully used for the treatment of diseases in animals.

Dr. Evan Snyder of Medicine University of California, head of the study, reported that his team hopes these tests soon be moved on children suffering from fatal and incurable brain diseases such as Alzheimer's Sandhoff.
The approach used in this study could lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and others.

In the study, researchers used mice having disabilities equivalent disability in Sandhoff disease.
Children with this disease have severe mental retardation and motor dysfunction. Death usually occurs in them in childhood. This disease is caused as a result of a mutation in the gene responsible for synthesis of the enzyme hexosaminidase or hexyl, of which the brain needs to purify from the excess of lipids. In accumulation of lipids, brain cells die. The disease is characterized by inflammation that kills brain cells.

Snyder's team used human embryonic stem cells and fetal human stem cells. These cells were transplanted into the brains of mice.

Side effects of treatment were observed, and the mice did not reject the foreign cells and the inflammation is reduced.
Thus treated mice lived 70% longer compared to untreated.

Stem cells are valuable because they can develop into all types of cells and tissues.

Transplanted human cells replace damaged nerve cells and carry nerve signals in the brain. They have also led to an increased synthesis of the enzyme hex, which is insufficient in Sandhoff disease.

Discovered a new molecule - the first of its kind that allows multiplication of stem cells from umbilical cord. This discovery is very important as these cells are used for transplantation for the treatment of blood diseases such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
 
The blood from the umbilical cord of the infant is considered an excellent source of hematopoietic stem cells that could be used for transplants.
 
These stem cells are less likely to cause an adverse reaction by the immunity in the recipient thereof to whom they are transplanted.
 
Furthermore, unlike the adult stem cells from bone marrow, it is not necessary, and the donor recipient has to have immunological compatibility for successful transplantation.
 
Such type of treatment, however, can not always lead to successful healing in adults, since the number of the collected stem cells from umbilical cord blood is small and insufficient. Scientists believe that by using the new molecule will be possible multiplication of stem cells to a sufficient quantity for the conduct of successful treatment.
 
Molecule is called the UM171 and was discovered by researchers from the Institute of Cancer Research and immunological and the University of Montreal, Canada.
 
Doctrine argue that UM171 has the potential to increase the number of blood units, ready for transplant to 10 times.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It affects one in five people 75 years of age.
 
The loss of vision is closely related to the aging process. The infringement is not seen so much as an actual condition, but rather as an inevitable part of aging.
 
New discovery by scientists from the UK, however, may soon change this data.
 
Researchers from the University of Southampton, UK, identified a unique type of stem cells in the eye that can be converted into photovoltaic cells. What is more important is that have the potential to turn the processes associated with blindness due to macular degeneration.
 
Affected by the condition suffer from blurred and "distorted" vision before it completely disappears. To a large extent the cause lies in the loss of photoreceptor cells - cells that require light. In this study, the team of researchers found a way to replace these lost cells and reverse the effects of the condition.
 
Right on the front surface of the eye - between the cornea and sclera, is an area where stem cells have been shown to "behave" as photoreceptor when they are in a suitable environment.
 
For the moment, this environment can be created only in the laboratory. Since stem cells exist in the eyes throughout life, it is believed that with more research in this area, they can be used in future therapies for the treatment of blindness caused by macular degeneration.

Enzymes are proteins which accelerate the chemical reaction in the cell. A special portion of the enzyme which is called "active side" is formed in such a way as to fit with the specific substrate molecules.
 
The enzyme works by binding to one or more specific molecules called "substrate".
 
Connection occurs on the active side. The enzyme and substrate form a complex enzyme substraten.
 
The interaction between the enzyme and the substrate either increases or decreases any of the chemical bonds in the substrate.
 
As a result of the chemical interactions in the active part, to form a new product.
 
He then released from the active start of the enzyme acquires its normal shape and is ready to work again.

Two Americans have been successfully cured of insidious infection with Ebola, says American media. Yesterday the hospital in Atlanta is written 33-year-old Dr. Kent harridan who was adopted there treatment after his stay in West Africa and insidious virus infection against which to date medicine lacked any effective therapy.
 
Physician Dr. Bruce Ribnar, infectious diseases specialist from Emory University Hospital informed the Center for Disease Control that the patient is successfully treated and can return to his family and his community without endangering public health.
 
Days ago was discharged and another patient who has entered into contact with the virus during missionary activity.
 
Experts say that when they found no evidence for the presence of virus in their body.
 
At a special press conference Dr. harridan thanked especially the six doctors and 21 nurses for care during treatment in the hospital, and all that he had help to get experimental treatment and the thousands of others who are his courage.
 
Dr. harridan is infected with dangerous virus while working in Liberia, where he was sent as part of a team of hospital ELWA, medical care in distress by an epidemic of Ebola area. The same body which was sent to Dr. harridan, there is another 23 young doctors.
 
Infektsionistat Dr. Ribnar seek treatment for infection with Ebola forty years. According to him, it is unlikely that the young doctor falls ill again from the same strain of the virus in any of its meetings, as his body has developed immunity against it, but should not overlook the fact that there are other insidious strains of virus.
 
Dr. Ribnar said that the treatment used two experimental medicines but still can not decide about their effect, as this is one the first people on which they are tested. This treatment were subjected to three Liberian doctors reported an improvement in the condition. Adult, however, where the drug was applied ZMapp, has died.
 
The doctor advised when treating patients with Ebola to be approached individually. For recovered can be considered, patients whose blood tests showed no presence of the virus, at least 2-3 days after resolution of symptoms of the disease.
 
According to him, in patients may experience complete recovery, provided that no organ damage.
 
A happy cure have yet to recover their strength, while Dr. Ribnar plans to share the experience of the team in the management of dangerous disease. Some of this information in his words will be presented in specialized medical journals. First, however, new knowledge will get doctors who are trying to keep the epidemic of Ebola.