DMMC Course: TECHNIQUES & STRATEGIES IN MOLECULAR MEDICINE

1630-1720 Wednesday 8 December 2004. Houston Lecture Theatre, RCSI

Gene therapy and antisense Prof Mark Lawler, TCD

Theoretical and practical bases for gene therapy approaches being pursued in molecular medicine today will form the core of this lecture. A summary of the main vectors used, their advantages and disadvantages and the modes of delivery will be provided. Aspects of the authors own work in this area, particularly in the area of cancer gene therapy will be discussed. An overview of the various strategies will be illustrated in the context of recent clinical trials of gene therapy. Nucleic acid therapeutics will also be examined, focussing on the methodologies and different chemistries employed in preclinical and clinical studies.