A Modular Virus Construction Kit for Therapeutic Applications
Abstract
Gene delivery using viral vectors holds great promise for the treatment of acquired and inherited diseases. The human Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) is a small, non-pathogenic, single-stranded DNA virus gaining increasing attention being both versatile and effective. Taking current knowledge into account, we generated a recombinant, modularized, BioBrick-compatible AAV 'Virus Construction Kit'. We provide parts for modified capsid proteins, targeting modules, tumor-specific promoters, and prodrug-activating enzymes as well as readily assembled vectors for gene delivery and production of non-replicative virus particles. The viral tropism is altered by N-terminal fusion or by loop replacement of the capsid proteins. Functionality of viruses constructed from our kit was demonstrated by fluorescent protein expression in infected cells and by prodrug-induced killing of tumor cells upon viral delivery of a thymidine kinase. Incorporating multiple layers of safety, we provide a general tool to the growing field of personalized medicine and demonstrate its use in tumor therapy.
Wiki
https://2010.igem.org/Team:Freiburg_Bioware
Achievements
- Best Health or Medicine Project
- Gold Medal
Meet The Team
Primary PI
- Prof. Kristian Müller
Student Members
- Achim Mall
- Adrian Fischer
- Anissa Bender
- Anna Oschowitzer
- Beate Kaufmann
- Christian Weingärtner
- Hanna Wagner
- Kerstin Klingele
- Kira Meyerovich
- Max Schelker
- Patrick Schindler
- Stefan Bergmann
- Timon Schober
- Volker Morath
Instructors
- Sven Hagen
- Tobias Baumann
- Dr. Katja Arndt
Advisors
- Hajri Amor