The last decade has witnessed a remarkable growth in the development
of recombinant DNA technology. Applications include the use of genetically
engineered microorganisms for the production of biopharmaceuticals
such as insulin and interferon; the early diagnosis of disease; gene therapy
for inherited diseases; and the creation of transgenic animals for
food production, for production of therapeutics, and for use in screening
for new biologically active substances. Agricultural applications include
the development of new plant strains, of plants resistant to pests
and pesticides, and the deliberate release of engineered organisms for
crop protection. The technology has also been exploited to further our
understanding of basic metabolism and its regulation. This in turn has
led to new approaches in the production of substances derived from multigene
pathways such as antibiotics. Slowly, but inevitably, the once impenetrable
barriers between species have been broken down. This rapidly
developing field has also been accompanied by a public debate about the
ethics of gene manipulation and about environmental and safety aspects.
It is not the intention of this book to address the whole field of gene technology,
but rather to focus on one of the least contentious areas-gene
expression in recombinant microorganisms. Nevertheless, the chapter on
regulatory and safety aspects will confront the environmental question
and attempt to put into perspective the risks and benefits of this exciting
technology now at our disposal.