Jumping genes could make for safer gene delivery system

To move a gene from point A to point B, scientists and **gene therapists** have two proven options: a **virus**, which can effectively ferry genes of interest into cells, and a **plasmid**, an engineered loop of DNA that can do the same thing, albeit usually only on a short-term basis. Now, however, the advent of new **nonviral** gene delivery systems using transposons, or "jumping genes," provides a safer alternative than viruses and more efficient delivery than plasmids, according to a publication by a University of Wisconsin-Madison molecular biologist and biological safety expert. "EurekAlert":[ http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-09/uow-gc092607.php]

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