Gene Therapy and its Implications in Dentistry

Abstract

Background The concept of transferring genes to tissues for clinical applications has been discussed for nearly half a century. The exponential increase in our ability to manipulate the genetic material of a cell via recombinant DNA technology has brought this goal closer to realization. The original perception that gene therapy should be considered only for a few major organs as a means of treating life-threatening disorders that are refractory to conventional treatment has changed. There are many non-life-threatening conditions that adversely affect a patient’s quality of life, for which there are no effective treatments. The lack of suitable treatment has permitted morbidity to become a rational basis for extending the scope of gene therapy. In the past few years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of gene therapy. While considerable problems remain, thus impeding the routine clinical use of gene transfer, gene therapy will have a pervasive and significant impact on areas that are based on biological science.Aim The purpose of this review is to examine the progress made in addressing gene transfer strategies for correcting various diseases and problems that are relevant to dental practice.

Gene Therapy as a Management Tool in Dentistry

“…The transfer of BSP gene by gene therapy procedures to an osseous defect is known to regenerate alveolar bone. 4 Various studies have shown the positive role of BSP gene in regenerating alveolar bone around teeth and implantsupported prosthesis. The DNA vaccines have also been tried in the field of dentistry, particularly for preventing periodontal conditions and dental caries.…”

“…The technique will result in production of clusters of cells with a specifically designed genetic make-up as necessary. 1,3,4 Alternatively, if the patient's somatic cells have been removed from the body, they can be exposed to the vector in the laboratory. The cells with the desired vectors with attached DNA fragments are reintroduced into the patient-specific tissue.…”

“…Thus, attachment of the DNA ligands to these receptors will transfer DNA ligands into the cells. 4 Nonviral vectors possess certain advantages, such as simple methods of DNA inoculation, large-scale production of vectors, and low host immunogenicity.…”

“…Genes basically perform two functions, i.e., determining the structure of the thousands of different proteins that are present in the human body and controlling where, when, and in what quantity each protein is made. 4 Gene-related disorders are due to defective genes, where encoded proteins are unable to perform their function. The procedure of gene therapy is based upon the principle that an abnormal and defective piece of a gene can be replaced and repaired by means of curing the defective gene or incorporating a new gene.…”

“…5 Gene therapy in recent days has several applications in dentistry, which includes bone repair, treatment of salivary gland diseases, autoimmune conditions, potentially malignant disorders, pain management, DNA vaccinations (periodontal diseases, caries), and autoimmune mucosal disorders. 2,4,6 According to the US Food and Drug administration, the basic principle of gene therapy is to replace a person's defective genes with new ones in order to cure a disease. 7 The new gene inserted will modify the clinical course of the disease.…”