IAEA joins effort to stem Ebola outbreak The IAEA Technical Cooperation Program is one of the most important programs of the organization, and without any doubt, the most important for the Department for Technical Cooperation. One of the IAEA programs is the so-called “Eradication of Rinderpest in Livestock. During the implementation of this program one specific technique is used: Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction. It is a technique used in genetic studies that allows the detection and quantification of mRNA. It is a very sensitive method that shows whether or not a specific gene is being expressed in a given sample. RT-PCR is a very important test in the field of Genetically-Modified Organisms (GMOs) because it gives researchers a mechanism to test whether any specific gene is turned on (active) or turned off (inactive). This allows researchers to identify the benefits of genetically-modified organisms with respect to their natural counterparts and search for any significant differences in which genes are expressed in the two types of organisms. RT-PCR is used to locate and quantify known sequences of mRNA in a sample. The first step in RT-PCR uses reverse transcriptase and a primer to anneal and extend a desired mRNA sequence. If the mRNA is present, the reverse transcriptase and primer will anneal to the mRNA sequence and transcribe a complimentary strand of DNA. This strand is then replicated with primers and Taq Polymerase, and the standard PCR protocol is followed. This protocol copies the single stranded DNA millions of times in a small amount of time to produce a significant amount of DNA. The PCR products (the DNA strands) are then separated with agarose gel electrophoresis. If a band shows up for the desired molecular weight, then the mRNA was in fact present in the sample, and the associated gene was being expressed. The results from RT-PCR are used in two main ways. First, RT-PCR shows us whether or not a specific gene is being expressed in a sample. If a gene is expressed, its mRNA product will be produced, and an associated band will appear in the final agarose gel with the correct molecular weight for the gene. This is used in GMO research to identify whether or not a transplanted gene is actually working within the new organism. Also, RT-PCR can quantify exactly how active the gene is in the sample. To do this, RT-PCR is performed with the unknown mRNA alongside standardized samples with known mRNA amounts. This approach is used to identify how much mRNA is being produced by the gene. This technique is especially useful in comparing a GMO to its natural counterpart when the modification causes an up regulation or down regulation of a specific gene (for example, vitamin content in golden rice). These two ways of using RT-PCR are important tools in the production and design of GMOs. In addition, RT-PCR is a crucial method after production of the GMO when proving to the public that GMOs are safe and marketable alternatives to their natural counterpart The IAEA has decided to transfer the RT-PCR technology for the rapid diagnosis of Ebola to Sierra Leone. It will also later be supplied to Liberia and Guinea. According to World Nuclear News, in response to a UN Security Council appeal and a request from Sierra Leone, the IAEA said it will deliver in the coming weeks with an RT-PCR machine, cooling systems, biosecurity equipment, diagnostic kits and other materials. This technology allows Ebola to be detected within hours, unlike other diagnostic techniques which take several days. Early diagnosis of Ebola, if combined with appropriate medical care, increases the victims chance and survival and helps cut the spread of the disease by making it possible to isolate and treat patients earlier. The IAEA said that its support initiates broader IAEA support to African Member States to strengthen their technological abilities to detect diseases transmitted from animals to humans. The IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano said: Transfer of nuclear-related technologies is a key part of the Agencys work, and we have cooperated with Member States for years to develop and strengthen their capacity to use this nuclear-derived technology.
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 10:43:45 +0000
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