Question

You find a solid tumor that contains a loss of function mutation in a tumor suppressor gene. You send the samples to a lab for analysis. The lab proposes to use a plasmid vector to add back a wild type copy of this gene in the tumor. Would this scheme work to limit the growth of the tumor cells? Assume that it is possible to deliver the plasmid vector to all tumor cells.

a. No, gene therapy is never used for treatment of human diseases.
b. No, it's a loss of function mutation, so more gene product is not needed.
c. Yes, it would provide a wild type copy of a tumor suppressor gene.
d. Yes, the plasmid would stimulate growth factor production and upregulate cell cycle.

Answer 1

The correct answer is option c, that is, yes, it would provide a copy of wild type of a tumor suppressor gene.

Step-by-step explanation:

For delivering the wild-type copy of the gene in the cases of loss or decrease of the function of mutation the plasmids can be used efficiently. This makes sure that the wild type copy of the product of the gene is generated within the cell, which can further assist in overcoming the influence of a mutated gene.

A gene, which monitors a cell at the time of cell replication and division is known as an anti-oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene. If the growth of the cell takes place overwhelmingly, it will result in cancer. In case, if a mutation occurs in a tumor suppressor gene, it will lead to a reduction or loss in its function.