The transfer of genetic material, ranging from a small segment of DNA to the entire genome, from a human cell to another type of cell in culture in order to study the frequency with which known genetic markers are transferred together to the recipient genome; used to determine the physical proximity of genetic markers in the human genome; also used to study gene expression and regulation
Insertion of unrelated DNA into the cells of an organism. There are many different reasons for gene transfer: for example, attempting to treat disease by supplying patients with therapeutic genes. There are also many possible ways to transfer genes. Most involve the use of a vector, such as a specially modified virus that can take the gene along when it enters the cell.
Genes can be transferred vertically from an parent to child, but also horizontally between organisms. Horizontal gene transfer is mainly known between bacteria but for example also possible between bacteria and plant or even between bacteria and animals. In genetic engineering, GM Agrobacterium tumefaciens is used to transfer genes into plant cells. Horizontal gene transfer is discussed as a risk of GMOs when transgenes can be taken up by bacteria from food, or transferred from bacteria to other organisms.
The movement of genetic material (DNA) from the laboratory into a human subject.
A method of transferring a new gene into a cell.
The introduction of functional (usually cloned) genes into cells and organisms. A variety of techniques can be used for gene transfer: (1) cell hybridization; (2) microcell-mediated gene transfer; (3) chromosome-mediated gene transfer; (4) DNA-mediated gene transfer. Gene transfer results in genetically transformed cells and individuals and is a step in recombinant DNA technology when cloned genes are being used for transfer.