(513c) Bridging the Gap Between Viral and and Nonviral Gene Vectors

Our understanding of disease, both genetic and acquired, continues to progress rapidly and provides insight into how most ailments can be treated at the genetic level. In spite of our improved understanding of genetic treatments, the field of gene therapy has failed to keep pace and advance human health. The lack of progress can be attributed primarily to the obstacles associated with delivery of genetic material. We been working to develop novel gene therapy vectors that bridge the gap between viral and nonviral vectors. We are working to combine the advantages associated with each respective vector while reducing or eliminating common drawbacks to gene delivery. We have primarily done so by replacing viral proteins with synthetic materials, such as polymers, lipids, or peptides. By working to understand how these materials interface with viruses and how they change the delivery pathway, we are aiming to gain knowledge necessary for designing novel materials that will help us progress step-wise from viral vectors to nonviral vectors.