Principles of gene therapy: potential applications in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia

Abstract

In this review we explore gene therapy as a possible treatment for conditions causing cerebral ischaemia and briefly consider other neurological pathologies such as brain tumours. DNA transfer may be achieved using retrovirus, herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, and adeno-associated virus vectors or liposomes. After cerebral ischaemia, these vectors are used to upregulate genes that increase survival and inhibit those that promote death in the injured cells. In contrast, in brain tumours gene therapy aims to kill the target cells. Examples from studies using cell culture, animal models and patients are presented.We conclude that manipulation of gene expression has potential for the treatment of cerebral ischaemia and brain tumours, although, at present, there are formidable technical obstacles to be overcome before clinical applications become a reality.

• Antisense Cerebral Ischaemia Liposome Neural Implant Transfection Viral Vector