Identification of viral nuclear-homing proteins and their use for improved delivery of therapeutic genes using semi-synthetic vectors

Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.

Project objective

Research objectives and content. This project will develop efficient systems for targeted delivery of genes to cells,. It is an interdisciplinary project, combining my own expertise in cloning with expertise of my supervisors in viral infectivity and development of synthetic systems for gene delivery. The primary objective of the research project is to identify viral proteins capable of mediating nuclear delivery of DNA-containing nanoparticles for gene therapy. Individual objectives include: ? Identifying methods for efficient attachment of viral proteins onto DNA nanoparticles. ? Determine intracellular distributions of nanoparticles in cells by confocal microscopy ? Identification of viral proteins capable of promoting nuclear accumulation ? Evaluation of usefulness of these proteins in mediating transfection of cells in vitro. Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The Institute for Cancer Studies has a very good international reputation for gene therapy, and also in the study of viruses in oncology. There are few places in the world which combine these expertises. I expect to learn techniques of tissue culture, handling of DNA, reporter gene assays, microinjection and confocal analysis of intracellular distribution,. This should enable me afterwards to find good employment in this field, probably in Germany. Links with industry: The MRC Gene Therapy Programme has strong links with Glaxo/Wellcome, and Dr Seymour has increasingly strong links with Zeneca. (200 words not counting titles)

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• Aristotle University of Thessaloniki · ThessalonikiCoordinatorGreece

Links

• View on CORDIS