Vector Core

 Robert Kutner, Core Manager

The LSU Gene Therapy Vector Core has an important role in providing viral vectors to a variety of investigators at the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and Tulane University.  The core also provides viral vectors to researchers at the Ochsner Clinic as well as several out of town investigators.  Some 5 new adenoviral vector preparations and over 20 new lentivirus vectors were generated in the past 12 months.  In addition, 50 recombinant lentivirus vector plasmids were sent out to investigators who requested them.

Current vector systems include recombinant adenoviral vectors and HIV-1-based lentiviral vectors.  Vector systems to be implemented in the near future, representing new technologies for the core, include recombinant fowlpox viruses and vectors based on adeno-associated virus (AAV).  Recombinant fowlpox viruses form an integral part of an NIH Program Project Grant that was awarded to the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans in 2004.

The Vector Core also carries out developmental work aimed at implementing improved strategies for vector production and purification.  This is done in collaboration with and is supported by PALL Corporation.   Great progress has been made in developing a purification scheme for lentivirus that involves HPLC.  Results of this work have recently been presented at the annual meeting for the American Society of Gene Therapy.  We are also collaborating with the Audubon Institute for Endangered Species to generate transgenic cats for disease models.  

 For more information:  www.medschool.lsuhsc.edu/vectorcore