Gene Therapy Protocols

Efforts in gene therapy have grown dramatically in recent years. Basic research as well as clinical activity have made exciting progress and are beg- ning to offer renewed hope that gene therapy may be able to deliver novel approaches for the treatment of inherited as well as such acquired diseases as cardiovascular disease and cancer. With the sequencing of the human genome complete, we now have a comprehensive catalog of genes that further expands the potential role of gene therapy into such new fields as tissue engineering. Central to gene therapy is the process of gene transfer; thus, advances in the technology of gene transfer are at the heart of this field’s progress. Numerous technologies, based on a variety of methods (e.g., viral-mediated, physical/ chemical), have been developed to achieve gene transfer. Some of the earliest methods, such as recombinant retroviruses, are still widely used, have undergone significant improvements, and have given rise to new vectors based on lentiviruses.

From Reviews of the First Edition:
"...extremely impressive...a must, even for researchers who are already familiar with gene transfer techniques..." -Molecular Medicine Today

"...succeeds admirably..."-Genetical Research

From Reviews of the Second Edition:

"Each protocol is written in a standard format, consisting of introduction, materials, methods, notes, and references. The introductions vary in length and detail. Many of them are illustrated with tables, charts, schematics, and/or photographs. The materials and methods sections are quite detailed, and there are many notes clarifying steps or outlining potential problems. Gene Therapy Protocols is recommended for university, hospital, and corporate libraries serving researchers who are working on gene therapies." - E-STREAMS

"All the chapters are well written, and the protocols are easy to understand. This book is applicable to those directly involved in the field of gene therapy." - Pharmaceutical Research

"...a valuable resource for background information in the field of gene transfer vector development, as well as providing concise and clearly written protocols for the production of these vectors." - Molecular Biotechnology

"Each of the 32 chapters is constructed like a cooking-book with detailed instructions and illustrations of how to perform the procedures. For anyone who is planning or is already practically involved in gene therapy experiments, this impressive book is a must in the laboratory." - Acta Derm Venereol

"Second edition of the "Gene Therapy Protocols" in successful series of books "Methods in Molecular Medicine" from Humana Press, is certainly a publication, which appeared in the right time. The comprehensibility of the book represents great value also for researcher. This collection of gene therapy protocols is a valuable and indispensable resource for basic scientists, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Even clinical researchers will find the book very informative and useful. The book represents an outstanding work, which should not be missed in all laboratories dealing with gene therapy." - Neoplasma