30
1 bp in the target DNA, and recognition sequences of TAL effectors are predictable
(Boch et al. 2009 ). The modular protein architecture enabled the construction of
artifi cial effectors with new specifi cities. TAL code is similar to a navigation
system for the genome, allowing pinpoint delivery of functional control elements
to any specifi ed sequence. TAL Effector Technology (licensed by Life
Technology) enables design of proteins to specifi cally target and bind to a desired
sequence of DNA.
Availability of complete genome sequences, high throughput technologies and
synthetic biology has enabled reverse vaccinology. Availability of sequence data
from different specimens of the same species of a pathogen provides an opportunity
to select novel candidates for personalized vaccines.
Integration of Technologies for Personalized Medicine
The concept of personalized medicine is the best way to integrate all the cutting
edge technologies for optimal application in healthcare as shown in the Fig. 1.3.
PERSONALIZED
MEDICINEBioinformaticsIntegration of
diagnostics
and therapyPoint-of-care diagnosticsEarly disease detectionSNP genotypingUnderstanding of molecular pathologySensitive assaysMolecular imagingProtein chips
Biosensors
Nanobiotechnology
Whole genome chipRational drug discoveryCell therapyTargeted therapy and drug deliveryGene-based therapy and RNAi interferenceGenomics/proteomics
Biomarkers
Disease pathways
Systems biology© Jain PharmaBiotechFig. 1.3 Integration of technologies for the development of personalized medicine
1 Basic Aspects