Glossary of terms

A therapeutic gene, or transgene, is a genetic information unit that is intentionally introduced into a patient's cells to correct, replace, or supplement a faulty or missing gene.

Transduction refers to the process used in gene therapy to deliver new or modified genes into cells by viral vectors. These modified cells then start producing the corrected or desired proteins to address the underlying cause of the disease. Transduction is a viral delivery method that transports the updated genetic instructions into the cells to help them function properly. Cells which have had a gene delivered by this process are referred to as transduced cells.

Transfection is a laboratory technique used in gene therapy and molecular biology. It introduces foreign genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into cells, without the use of  viral vectors. This process can involve various methods, including chemical agents, electroporation, and other non-vectors. It plays a crucial role in delivering genetic instructions to cells for therapeutic purposes. Cells which have been altered in this way are referred to as transfected cells.

A transgene is a gene which has been deliberately introduced into an organism, often via genetic engineering or gene therapy, to correct a genetic defect or provide new instructions for producing specific proteins. The transgene's purpose is to modify the cells so they can perform a specific function or produce a particular protein. In a research setting, this may be done to study a genetic disease in an animal model. In the clinic, the purpose is to treat or prevent a disease.

Transplantation refers to the transfer or grafting of organs, tissues, or cells from one individual (donor) to another (recipient). This medical procedure is often performed to replace or repair damaged or malfunctioning body parts. In the context of gene and/or therapy, transplantation may involve introducing genetically modified cells or tissues into a patient to address specific genetic disorders or diseases.

Transposons, also known as jumping genes or transposable elements, are DNA sequences that have the ability to move or "jump" within the genome of an organism. They can replicate themselves and insert copies into different locations in the genome. This sometimes causes mutations or alters gene expression. Transposons play a significant role in genetic variation and evolution, and can be harnessed as useful tools for the insertions of foreign genetic material into a cell's genome.