Genetic Engineering and Complex Human Diseases

Genetic engineering refers to the act of modifying the genetic makeup of an organism. Transfection of synthetic chromosomes, gene targeting, viral insertion, and nuclear transplantation are a few techniques that can be used to produce modifications. In genetic engineering, a single base pair can be changed, a new segment of DNA can be added, or a section of DNA can be deleted. The group of diseases caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are called complex diseases. The majority of human diseases including many congenital and adult-onset diseases are complex diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), type 2 diabetes, and major depressive disorder (MDD). With the development of genetic engineering, it is now possible to alter the way genomes are built in order to eliminate some diseases caused by genetic mutations. Today, genetic engineering is being utilized to combat diseases like diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and a number of other diseases. This book provides significant information to help develop a good understanding of genetic engineering and complex human diseases. It is appropriate for students seeking detailed information in this area as well as for experts.