Carrot instead of Needle

Publication is prepared by the editorial board of the journal

Interleukin-18 is an immunotropic agent, which being introduction in an organism activates its resistance against a number of diseases, including cancer. Carrot is a tasty and undemanding Siberian vegetable. Scientists from three research institutes in Novosibirsk decided to combine two - good taste and health-giving properties - in one.

The world’s interest to transgenic plants producing proteins for medical purposes - hormones, enzymes, growth factors, etc. - is rising. Now they are obtained from genetically transformed bacteria, yeast and mammal, but an alternative use of plants also promises many advantages.

Biotechnologists have inserted a gene encoding interleukin-18 into “Nantskaya” carrot. The very first clinical tests of the wonderful vegetable on laboratory mice have met the expectations. Why not eat some carrot salad instead of being 24 hours under a dropper? This formerly fantastic idea began to get quite real outlines.

More information on these and other subjects you can find in the printed version of our journal.