The general research interest of Dr. McIvor's laboratory is genetic therapy for inherited diseases and cancer. Specific research activities include: (i) Use of recombinant lentiviral vectors for gene transfer into hematopoietic stem cells in the treatment of cancer and inherited disorders such as immunodeficiency diseases and lysosomal storage diseases; (ii) Introduction of drug-resistance genes into normal hematopoietic cells to protect against the toxic side effects of cancer chemotherapy; (iii) Use of adeno-associated virus for treatment of storage diseases and as a vector for gene transfer into the central nervous system in the treatment of neurological disorders; (iv) Adaptation of an active vertebrate transposon ("Sleeping Beauty") to viral and non-viral delivery systems for gene therapy.