Recombinant proteins and genomics in cancer therapy

Recently published sequence of the complete human genome represents a major milestone in the era of the modern molecular biology [318, 132]. The sequencing of approximately 3.2 billion nucleotides of the human genome that is estimated to contain about 20,000-25,000 protein-encoding genes signifies the first step down the long road. Gene identification does not necessarily translate into an understanding of gene function. Although mapping and cloning of several genes have linked them to heritable genetic disorders, the normal function of a majority of these genes remains unknown. Recombinant DNA technology has made it possible to generate large amounts of many biologically active proteins and to delineate their functions. The novelty of recombinant technology is the precision and efficiency with which scientists can manipulate single gene. The ability to isolate human genes and insert them into microorganisms, which then produce human proteins, thereby serving as biological factories, has revolutionized the field of biology.