Current Projects
Targeting Bacteriophage Delivery to Astrocytes
The filamentous bacteriophage M13 is a single-stranded DNA phage that co-exists with its Escherichia coli host after infection. M13 possesses several attractive characteristics for gene delivery and have a well-documented ability to cross the blood-brain barrier which is an exploitable trait that can be applied to targeted phage delivery to the CNS. Astrocytes have been shown to differentiate into functional neurons. This ability makes them an ideal target for gene delivery and cell transformation.
The goal of this project is to show that intravenous administration of M13 miniphagemids, engineered to carry LCC DNA vectors (iPhAGEs) will effectively cross the blood brain barrier and allow for the reprogramming of astrocytes.
Construction of Adeno-Associated Virus vector
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is an unenveloped virus classified in the Parvoviridae family, known for its ability to effectively and securely transport genetic material into cells, making it valuable for gene therapy. Although industrial manufacturing methods for AAV vector production have advanced, challenges remain in terms of quality and production costs, hindering wider deployment.The limited scalability of current methods has resulted in prohibitively high costs for many patients seeking AAV gene therapy.
Miniphagemid-Mediated Cancer Immunotherapy
Molecular targeted therapy has emerged as a promising strategy to treat cancer over the last several years. Unlike the broad-spectrum cytotoxic drugs prescribed for conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy is designed to address specific molecular changes which are unique to a specific cancer type. To develop a successful targeted therapy, many delivery platforms have been investigated to optimize safety, specificity and efficiency.
Identification of E. coli Host Genes Influencing T4rII Exclusion Phenotype
The rex genes (rexA, rexB) of bacteriophage Lambda (λ) are able to prevent mutant bacteriophage T4rII plaque formation on E. coli hosts lysogenized by λ. The expression of these two genes of the Rex system is primarily regulated by the repressor gene cI from the PM promoter.
This project aims to isolate and identify relevant host mutations that could influence the Rex phenotype. Through this work, the manifestation of Rex has been linked to genes underlying key host stress responses.
The Effects of Amyloid-Beta on Neuronal Transcription
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, associated with a decline in cognition and impaired episodic memory. This disorder is well known for its behavioural phenotype, however knowing its cellular pathology, which is primarily based on the presence of Amyloid β (Aβ) in various aggregation states, is crucial for the development of research efforts against the disease.
As such, this project aims to determine what the downstream effects of Aβ are on neurons and by doing so illustrate what deleterious effects Aβ causes. To accomplish this goal the transcriptomic profile of neuronal cells exposed to these aggregation states of Aβ was quantified.
Universal Coronavirus Vaccine
More information to come.