Recent Developments in Diabetes Therapy

Abstract

Gene therapy is a newer approach in the twenty-first century which developed through the advancement of molecular biology and Human Genome Project. It has emerged as a key future strategy to cure both T1DM and T2DM. Gene therapy is accomplished by introducing DNA into cells, which can be carried out by several methods. Viral vectors (recombinant viruses) and non-viral vectors (naked DNA or DNA complexes) are mostly used in such process. Gene therapy usually targets the β cells of pancreatic islet or the insulin sensitivity toward the peripheral tissues. Introduction of DNA into target cells artificially should be stable and functional; it is also necessary that the target cells should accept the new DNA properly for natural reproduction function. Usually, ex vivo engineering and in vivo delivery methods are used in gene therapy. In ex vivo method, a cell will be isolated from the host and used as a transgene factory, and genetic manipulation is carried out in a laboratory. Cell expansion may or may not be part of it. This strategy is mostly employed in gene therapy. On the other hand, in vivo gene transfer method genetic modification is carried out in situ using vector-mediated delivery of genetic material into specific target organ. It is a difficult method due to selection of gene delivery vehicle that becomes an issue (Welsh 2000; Giannoukakis and Trucco 2003; Creusot and Fathman 2004; Bertolaso et al. 2010).