Viral Vectors

Catalog description

Use and design of viral vectors in research land use in gene therapy; exploration of viral vector strengths and limitations. MICRO 583 Viral Vectors (1) This course is designed to provide the student with the "big picture" regarding the properties, design, and use of viral vectors within the research laboratory. A basic understanding on the construction of viral vectors, the various methods used for transfection, choice of promoters, as well as considerations regarding Kozak's rules, distance requirements between the 5'-end and the ATG, internal initiation sites, splicing signals, nuclear export signals, polyadenylation etc. In addition, emphasis will also be placed on the future role vial vectors will play in gene therapy and vaccination. One of the strengths of this course is that it will address a subject in translational medicine that is rapidly evolving and the students will be exposed to the dynamic aspects regarding the development of viral vectors for their eventual use in treatment of disease.