Medical Biotechnology

Preface

About the Authors

Section I: The Biology behind the Technology

Chapter 1: Fundamental Technologies

Molecular Cloning

Genomic Libraries

Amplification of DNA Using PCR

DNA Sequencing Technologies

Sequencing Whole Genomes

Genomics

Chapter 2: Fundamental Concepts in Immunology

The Immune Response

Functions of the Immune System

Cells of the Immune System: Cell-Mediated

Tissues of the Immune System

Humoral Immunity

Types of Antibodies: Applications

Immunological Techniques

Chapter 3: The Genetic Basis of Disease

Chromosomal Disorders and Gene Mapping

Single-Gene Disorders

Polygenic Disorders and Gene Clustering

Mitochondrial Disorders

Chapter 4: Immune Pathogenesis

Models of Immune System Lesions

Inflammation and Immune Hypersensitivity

Immunodeficiency Disorders and Defects in Development of the Immune System

Chapter 5: Microbial Pathogenesis

Introduction

Bacterial Infections

Viral Infections

Section II: Production of Therapeutic Agents

Chapter 6: Modulation of Gene Expression

Manipulating Gene Expression in Prokaryotes

Heterologous Protein Production in Eukaryotic Cells

Directed Mutagenesis

Chapter 7: Genetic Engineering of Plants

Plant Transformation with the Ti Plasmid of A. tumefaciens

Physical Transfer of Genes to Plants

Chloroplast Engineering

Transient Gene Expression

Molecular Pharming

Edible Vaccines

Section III: Diagnosing and Treating Human Disease

Chapter 8: Molecular Diagnostics

Immunological Approaches to Detect Protein Biomarkers of Disease

DNA-Based Approaches to Disease Diagnosis

Detecting RNA Signatures of Disease

Chapter 9: Protein Therapeutics

Pharmaceuticals

Recombinant Antibodies

Enzymes

Lactic Acid Bacteria

Chapter 10: Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Agents and Human Gene Therapy

Treating Genetic and Nongenetic Disorders

Targeting Specific mRNAs and DNAs

Viral Delivery Systems

Nonviral Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems

Gene Therapy

Chapter 11: Vaccines

Vaccination: Overview

Subunit Vaccines

Peptide Vaccines

Dendritic Cell Vaccines

DNA Vaccines

Attenuated Vaccines

Vector Vaccines

Adjuvants

Systems Biology and Evaluation of Vaccines

Chapter 12: Societal Issues

Safety and Ethical Issues

Patenting Biotechnology

Economic Issues

Glossary

Index

Medical Biotechnology includes salient features of selected diseases to illustrate the applications of many biotechniques and biochemical mechanisms. It is a textbook for a wide range of courses intended for pre-med and medical students, dental students, pharmacists, optometrists, nurses, nutritionists, genetic counselors, hospital administrators, and individuals who are stakeholders in the understanding and advancement of biotechnology and its impact on the practice of modern medicine.