TASHKENT MEDICAL ACADEMY
GENETIC ENGINEERING
AND ITS APPLICATION
SUBMITTED BY: ANJU MADHU SREELATHA
GROUP: XF23-22A
Introduction to Genetic Engineering
• Genetic engineering is the process of modifying an organism’s genetic material
using biotechnology. It involves techniques such as gene editing, recombinant
DNA technology, and CRISPR-Cas9 to alter DNA sequences for desired traits.
Key Techniques in Genetic Engineering
1. Recombinant DNA Technology – Combining DNA from different sources to create
genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
2. CRISPR-Cas9 – A precise gene-editing tool that can cut and modify specific DNA
sequences.
3. Gene Therapy – Introducing or modifying genes to treat or prevent diseases.
Ethical and Safety Concerns
- Ethical Issues – Concerns about designer babies and genetic modifications for non-
medical purposes.
- Safety Risks – Potential unintended mutations and long-term effects of gene editing.
- Regulatory Challenges – Government policies control genetic engineering
applications to prevent misuse.
Applications in Medicine
1. Gene Therapy
- Used to treat genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.
- Involves replacing faulty genes with functional ones.
2. Cancer Treatment
- Genetic modifications help in designing personalized cancer therapies.
- CAR-T cell therapy modifies immune cells to target cancer cells.
3. Pharmaceutical Production
- Genetically modified bacteria and yeast produce insulin, growth hormones, and vaccines.
- Helps in large-scale production of life-saving drugs.
4. Stem Cell Research
- Genetic engineering enhances stem cell therapy for regenerative medicine.
- Used in repairing damaged tissues and organs.
5. Genetic Testing and Diagnosis
- Identifies genetic disorders before symptoms appear.
- Helps in early detection of diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
6. Xenotransplantation
- Genetic modification of animal organs to make them compatible for human transplantation.
- Example: Genetically modified pig hearts used for human transplants.