Gain-of-function and Loss-of-function research
- Integrity Education, Delhi
- 20, Jun 2021
Gain-of-function’ research
- In virology, gain-of-function research involves deliberately altering an organism in the lab, altering a gene, or introducing a mutation in a pathogen to study its transmissibility, virulence and immunogenicity.
- This is done by genetically engineering the virus and by allowing them to grow in different growth mediums, a technique called as Serial Passage
- This allows researchers to study potential therapies, vaccine possibilities and ways to control the disease better in future.
Loss-of-function’ research
- It involves inactivating mutations, resulting in a significant loss of original function, or no function to the pathogen.
- When mutations occur, they alter the structure of the virus that is being studied, resulting in altered functions.
- Some of these significant mutations might weaken the virus or enhance its function.
Dual-use research of concern(DURC)
- Inherent biosafety and biosecurity risks associated with genetic modified pathogen are referred as DURC
- This indicates that while the research may result in benefits for humanity, there is also the potential to cause harm