The Evolution of Health: Unraveling the Story of Genetic Engineering in Insulin Production

The application of genetic engineering has revolutionized the production of insulin, reshaping the lives of millions struggling with diabetes. Before this innovation, insulin for medical use was mainly made from animals, leading to it not working efficiently and causing allergic reactions. The emergence of genetic engineering led to a more reliable, safer, and efficient form of insulin production, using bacteria such as Escherichia coli as hosts (Baeshen et al., 2014).

Let’s look at the production process!

First DNA encoding human insulin is taken from a human pancreatic cell. Then a restriction enzyme is used to cut the DNA.

Figure 1. Isolation and cutting of the insulin gene by pancreatic cells (Baeshen et al., 2014).

Meanwhile, a plasmid with antibiotic-resistance genes is taken from a bacterium. The plasmid is cut open using the same restriction enzyme.

So, when mixed, the DNA pieces have sticky ends that will stick to the sticky ends of the plasmid, forming recombinant plasmids.

Figure 2. Cutting and recombination of bacteria (Baeshen et al., 2014).

The plasmids are then mixed with the bacteria. If the bacteria manage to pick up the plasmid they are said to be transformed. The bacteria without any plasmids are non-transformed.

Figure 3. Transformed and non-transformed bacteria (Baeshen et al., 2014).

So, to select the transformed from the non-transformed bacteria, we culture the bacteria in an agar plate that has the antibiotic that the transformed bacteria are resistant to. The non-transformed bacteria do not survive.

Figure 4. Selection of transformed bacteria (Baeshen et al., 2014).

The transformed bacteria are then cultured in fermenters, in which they produce the insulin protein.

Figure 5. Fermentation of bacteria and processing of insulin to produce functional human insulin (Baeshen et al., 2014).

The insulin is then extracted and processed so it can be used!

Moreover, customization of insulin to suit the specific needs of patients can be done. By modifying the genetic sequence, scientists can engineer insulin with altered properties, such as extended duration of action, addressing the diverse requirements of diabetes patients (Liao & Tsai, 2014).

Concluding

The implications of genetic engineering in insulin production extend beyond improved treatment options. The accessibility and affordability of genetically engineered insulin have significantly improved the quality of life of diabetes patients worldwide (Liao & Tsai, 2014).

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REFERENCE LIST

Baeshen, N. A., Baeshen, M. N., Sheikh, A., Bora, R. S., Ahmed, M. M., Ramadan, H. A., Saini, K. S., & Redwan, E. M. (2014). Cell factories for insulin production. Microbial cell factories, 13, 141. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12934-014-0141-0

Liao, W. L., & Tsai, F. J. (2014). Personalized medicine in Type 2 Diabetes. BioMedicine, 4(2), 8. https://doi.org/10.7603/s40681-014-0008-z

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