This document discusses gene therapy and viral infection. It explains that gene therapy aims to treat genetic diseases by inserting functional genes into a patient's cells. Viruses are often used as vectors to deliver these genes. The document also describes a study that used NMR imaging to visualize a herpes viral protein interacting with a mouse cellular protein, revealing how the virus hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate and spread infection. Continued research on gene therapy and viral infection mechanisms could help develop new treatments for genetic diseases and viral illnesses.

3. ScienceDaily (Jan. 12, 2011) ScienceDaily (Jan. 12, 2011) ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2011) ScienceDaily (Jan. 10, 2011)

4. Genetic information is stored in the nucleus, this information is stored in the form of DNA but is expressed in proteins. To reach this stage it has to pass through three processes, DNA replication, RNA transcription and translation.

6. Gene therapy is a set of methodologies aimed at treating several nucleic acid diseases (DNA or RNA) Its function is to assure that this material arrives directly to the nucleus of the cell without losing a substantial amount along the way and without producing any undesired side effects.

7. viruses are the most commonly used vectors in clinical trials One of the most promising alternatives in this field is the use of artificial viruses. These

8. This study demonstrated that the peptide R9, formed by a specific type of amino-acid (arginine), can encapsulate genetic material, assemble itself with other identical molecules to form nanoparticles and enter directly into the cell nucleus to release the material it contains.

9. Continue the study of gene therapy will allow the treatment of many diseases of genetic origin, whether acquired or hereditary

11. This study have used NMR, a technique related to the one used in MRI body scanners and capable of visualizing molecules at the smallest scales, to produce images of a herpes virus protein interacting with a mouse cellular protein.

12. The 3-D model shows how the viral protein piggybacks onto the molecular machinery components inside human cells, promoting virus replication and spread of infection through the body.

13. By studying the images along with biochemical experiments using the human version of the cellular protein, the team has uncovered the mechanism by which the viral and cellular proteins work together to guide the viral genetic material out of the cell's nucleus.

14. Through this study we can observe the propagation mechanism of the virus and thereby prevent and treat diseases involved with these processes

16. Involves the insertion of functional copies of defective or missing genes in the genome of an individual. Takes place in the cells and tissues with the aim of treating a disease

17. Actually, the most common vectors used are viruses that can be genetically altered to not be carrying pathogens and genes in other organisms.

18. Types: Somatic gene therapy: * In vivo therapy * Ex vivo therapy - Germline gene therapy

19. MARTINEZ SANCHEZ,Lina María, Biología Molecular, 6 edición, Medellín, UPB, Fac de Medicina 2009, 31p-37p. COOPER, Geoffrey M, La célula, 2 edición, Sunderland Massachusetts, MARBÁN, 2002, 315p. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110106192027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111132529.htm