Let us make an in-depth study of the gene therapy strategies designed to interfere with the HIV-1 life-cycle. Basically Inhibition has been Envisaged at Three Major Levels: (i) Blocking HIV-1 infection: HIV-1 normally infects T lymphocytes by binding of the viral gp120 envelope protein to the CD4 receptor on the cell membrane. Transfer of a gene encoding a soluble form [...]
In this article we will discuss about the discovery and evolution of split genes. Discovery of Split Genes: During 1970, in some mammalian viruses (e.g. adenoviruses) it was found that the DNA sequences coding for a polypeptide were not present continuously but were split into several pieces. Therefore, these genes were variously named as split genes or introns, interrupted genes [...]
In this article we will discuss about the concept and units of genes. Concept of Gene: Although the role of hereditary units (factors) in transfer of genetic characters over several generations in organisms was advocated by Gregor John Mendel, yet the mystery of the 'hereditary units' was un-ravelled during early 1900s. In 1909, W. Johanson coined the term 'gene' that [...]