TISSUE AND GENETIC ENGINEERING

Tissue Plasminogen Activator

The Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) is an enzyme in the lining of the blood

vessels that is clot-dissolving. Since this enzyme has a unique characteristic, scientists

researched and did studies about tPA. They discovered the benefits it can provide to

humans. Through the help of genetic engineering, they were able to find a specific use

of tPA in medicine. Today, it is a successful manufactured drug for heart attack and

ischemic stroke patients.

In the body, tPA is produced in cells which catalyze the conversion of

Plasminogen to Plasmin. This is for the degradation of plasma blood proteins such as

fibrin clots a process called fibrinolysis. Scientists took note of this property and saw

that it can help in diseases involving clotting. Using genetic engineering, they

“reprogrammed” the enzyme to also disband clots that are the cause of heart attack and

stroke. However, this drug can only be issued to the patient after he or she has

experienced the ailment. For heart attack and ischemic stroke patients, it could only be

issued three hours after the symptoms. For stroke, though it does not cure or prevent it

in the future, tPA prevents disabilities that can be derived from ischemic stroke. For

heart attack, it reduces the amount of damage to the heart muscles.

On the other hand, not all people can take tPA. The following reasons are

Hemorrhagic Stroke (ruptured blood vessel), recent surgery, bleeding ulcer, high Blood

pressure and brain cancer. These people cannot be supplied with tPA for it would cause

the blood not to clot resulting in an increased death rate.