Introduction to Molecular Medicine

Description

This book continues the story of a new field called molecular medi­ cine. The first edition appeared 10 years ago in a previous millennium. At that time cloning a gene was cutting edge research; now gene cloning is a high school science fair project. The complete sequencing of the human genome was finished last year; cloning a human is a likely (and very controversial) event for 2002. The tools of molecular medicine have become very powerful and automated; DNA on a chip and microarrays allow us to probe large parts of the genome and its function. The speed of sequencing DNA has increased about 100,0- fold over the decade since the first edition of this book was published. Following the great improvements in technology, DNA and molecular research have a rapidly deepening impact on human medicine. Molec­ ular therapies including DNA vaccines, antisense, and gene transplan­ tation are undergoing clinical trials. Front Matter....Pages i-xv Front Matter....Pages 1-1 The Human Genome....Pages 3-21 Gene Expression and Regulation....Pages 22-34 Genetic Engineering....Pages 35-56 Front Matter....Pages 57-57 Infectious Diseases....Pages 59-74 Inherited Genetic Diseases....Pages 75-92 Immune System and Blood Cells....Pages 93-107 Cancer....Pages 108-130 Molecular Therapeutics....Pages 131-143 Conclusions....Pages 144-145 Back Matter....Pages 147-153