MODERN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The discovery that genes are

made up of DNA and can be
isolated, copied and
manipulated has led to a new
era of modern biotechnology.
New Zealand has many
applications for modern
biotechnologies.
Humans have been manipulating living things for thousands
of years. Examples of early biotechnologies include
domesticating plants and animals and then selectively
breeding them for specific characteristics. Find out more
about ancient biotechnology.

Modern biotechnologies involve making useful products from

whole organisms or parts of organisms, such as molecules, cells,
tissues and organs. Recent developments in biotechnology
include genetically modified plants and animals, cell therapies
and nanotechnology. These products are not in everyday use but
may be of benefit to us in the future.
 Applications in biotechnology

Key applications of biotechnology include:

• DNA profiling – for further information see the article DNA

profiling
• DNA cloning – for further information see the article DNA
cloning
• Transgenesis
 Genome analysis
 Stem cells and tissue engineering – for further information
see the article Stem cells
 Xenotransplantation – for further information see the
article Xenotransplantation.
 Medicine
Gene modification or transgenesis are used to produce therapeutic
human proteins in cells or whole organisms. The cell or organism
used depends upon how large and complex the protein is. For
example, human insulin, a small protein used to treat diabetes, is
made in genetically engineered bacteria, whereas large, more
complex proteins like hormones or antibodies are made in mammalian
cells or transgenic animals.
Antibiotics and vaccines are products of
microorganisms that are used to treat disease.
Modern biotechnologies involve manipulating vaccines
so they are more effective or can be delivered by
different routes.
Gene therapy
A technique that introduces ‘normal’ DNA into cells
to treat or prevent genetic disorders.

technologies are being developed to treat diseases

like cancer, Parkinson’s disease and cystic fibrosis.
In New Zealand, gene therapy is being used as a
way to target and kill cancer cells with fewer side
effects.
 Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation is the transplanting of
cells, tissue or organs from one species into
another. In New Zealand, cells from a unique,
virus-free population of pigs are being used to
treat people with type 1 diabetes.
Xenotransplantation is when living cells, tissues or organs are
transplanted between species. To be successful in humans,
xenotransplants must overcome issues of transplant rejection,
cross-species infection and ethics.

Human organs

Diseased human organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, pancreas

and kidneys can be replaced with transplants from human or animal
donors.
Since the 1960s, transplants of human cells, tissues or
organs from deceased donors have been used successfully
to treat disease. However, this has resulted in a demand
for donated cells, tissues and organs that far exceeds
supply.

Because people are living longer and the population is

increasing, this need is only likely to increase.
Researchers are investigating whether xenotransplants –
transplants between animals and humans – may help to
solve this shortfall.
 Uses of xenotransplantation

Xenotransplantation could benefit thousands of people by providing an

unlimited supply of cells, tissues and organs with many uses:

 Organ transplants – replacing diseased organs, such as hearts, lungs, livers,

pancreases and kidneys.
 Cell transplants – replacing damaged or destroyed cells in diseases such as
diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
 Tissue transplants – skin grafts, cornea transplants or boneA specialised
form of connective tissue. The presence of the mineral hydroxyapatite helps
to give bone its strength and density. transplants.
 Bridging transplants – providing organ function externally to patients with
organ failure.
 Preventing xenotransplant rejection
Our immune system specialises in recognising and attacking
foreign cells and tissues – helping us to fight infections and stay
healthy. It also recognises transplanted tissues as foreign.
Transplanted animal tissues, in particular, are rapidly rejected
by a person’s immune system – this is called hyperacute rejection.
Researchers are investigating several ways of
preventing xenotransplant rejection:

Suppressing the recipient’s immune system: The immune system’s

response can be suppressed with drugs, although these can be toxic
and affect the recipient’s ability to fight off infections.
Alternatively, the recipient’s immune system can be manipulated by
removing antibodies to the xenotransplant or adding immune cells
from the donor animal.

Modifying the genetic make-up of donor animals: Using modern DNA

technologies, donor animals can be genetically modified so their
tissues are no longer recognised as foreign by the transplant
recipient’s immune system.