Introduction
Genetic engineering has transformed the field of medicine by enabling the development of new drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools. One of the most successful applications of genetic engineering is the production of recombinant human insulin. In this answer, we’ll explore how genetic engineering is applied in medicine, with a focus on the process of creating insulin using recombinant DNA technology.
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering is the process of modifying the genetic material of an organism to achieve a desired outcome. In medicine, it is used to produce therapeutic proteins, vaccines, and genetically modified cells for treating diseases.
Why is Insulin Important?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin and need regular injections. Before genetic engineering, insulin was extracted from animals like pigs and cows, which could cause allergic reactions and was expensive to produce.
What is Recombinant Human Insulin?
Recombinant human insulin is insulin made in the laboratory using genetically engineered bacteria. It is identical to the insulin made by the human body and is safe for diabetic patients.
Steps in the Production of Recombinant Insulin
Let’s understand the simplified process used to create recombinant human insulin using genetic engineering:
1. Identification of the Human Insulin Gene
Scientists identify and isolate the gene responsible for producing insulin in humans.
2. Insertion into a Plasmid Vector
The human insulin gene is inserted into a small circular DNA molecule called a plasmid using restriction enzymes and DNA ligase. This plasmid acts as a vector.
3. Transformation of Host Cells
The recombinant plasmid is introduced into a host cell, usually a bacterium like E. coli. This process is called transformation.
4. Selection and Growth
Only bacteria that contain the recombinant plasmid are allowed to grow. These cells multiply and start producing the insulin protein.
5. Protein Expression
The insulin gene is expressed in the bacteria, and the protein is produced in large quantities inside the cells.
6. Extraction and Purification
The insulin protein is extracted from the bacterial cells and purified to remove any contaminants.
7. Packaging and Distribution
After quality checks, the insulin is packaged into vials and made available to patients.
Benefits of Recombinant Insulin
- Human-compatible: No risk of allergic reactions like animal insulin.
- Large-scale production: Bacteria can be grown in large quantities to meet demand.
- Cost-effective: Cheaper and faster to produce than animal-derived insulin.
- Ethical: No need to harm animals for insulin extraction.
Other Applications of Genetic Engineering in Medicine
- Production of Vaccines: Like the Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines.
- Gene Therapy: Correcting defective genes in patients with genetic disorders.
- Monoclonal Antibodies: Used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections.
Conclusion
Genetic engineering has had a profound impact on modern medicine. The production of recombinant human insulin is a prime example of how technology can improve human health. By using genetically engineered bacteria, we can produce safe, effective, and affordable insulin for millions of people living with diabetes around the world.