Exosome: Adeno-associated Virus Formulations for Enhanced Gene Transfer

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Our project aims to enhance the use of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy vectors, the student will learn to make these viruses and modify them to improve their therapeutic capacity, particularly in central nervous system disorders.

Project is Not Currently Available

This project is not being offered for the current term. Please check back next semester for updates.

Project description

The goal of gene therapy is to deliver therapeutic genes to treat disease. It is critical to identify safe and efficient gene therapy systems. Viruses are often used as efficient gene delivery vehicles, including adeno-associated virus (AAV). However, most viruses cannot be administered repeatedly as the body develops neutralizing antibodies that clear any subsequent treatments before they can deliver their genetic payload. This may be overcome by enveloping the AAV in an exosome coat. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that carry signaling molecules between cells. Exosome: AAV (exo-AAV) formulations avoid the immune system and the development of antibodies, which increases our ability to target AAV to appropriate tissues and allow for repeated treatments. The student researcher will learn how to create and package these exo-AAVs, improve the purification systems, and test them in tissue culture systems. This research will have direct impact on developing a second generation of gene therapies based on enhancing the physical properties of the virus itself. 

Project outcome

Students will develop a poster presentation and have co-authorship on any publication generated.

Learning outcomes

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Year-long; 10-12 months
Start time Fall, Summer
In-person, remote, or hybrid? Hybrid
Level of collaboration Small group project (2-3 students) 
Benefits Potential academic credit and/or stipend
Who is eligible Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors 

Project mentor

Caroline Bass

Associate Professor

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Phone: (716) 829-3790

Email: cebass@buffalo.edu

Start the project

  1. Email the project mentor using the contact information above to express your interest and get approval to work on the project. (Here are helpful tips on how to contact a project mentor.)
  2. After you receive approval from the mentor to start this project, click the button to start the digital badge. (Learn more about ELN's digital badge options.) 
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

Once you begin the digital badge series, you will have access to all the necessary activities and instructions. Your mentor has indicated they would like you to also complete the specific preparation activities below. After you’re approved to begin the project, your mentor will send the relevant materials. Please reference this when you get to Step 2 of the Preparation Phase. 

  • Attending workshops and trainings
    • Mandatory Lab Safety Training
    • Animal Handling
  • Meeting with a Subject Librarian to write an annotated bibliography or literature review

Keywords

pharmacology, toxicology, gene therapy, virus