NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Researchers have created special adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors that selectively target vascular tissue for gene delivery, according to a report published in the January 20th rapid access issue of Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
“The concept of developing systemically injectable gene transfer vehicles is important for a number of potential cardiovascular gene therapies,” senior author Dr. Andrew H. Baker, from the University of Glasgow in the UK, said in a statement. “This work shows for the first time that this is possible using cell-specific peptides to modify AAV vehicles.”
In the study, Dr. Baker’s team took endothelial cell-targeting peptides and incorporated them into AAV capsids.
In vitro testing revealed that these modified vectors injected genetic material into endothelial cells with only limited transduction of hepatocytes -- a common problem that occurs with standard AAV vectors. Testing in mice showed that after intravenous injection, the modified vector accumulated at target vascular sites with less liver sequestration than with a standard vector.
The researchers conclude that the findings demonstrate the feasibility of targeted gene delivery using tropism-modified AAV vectors.
Source: Circulation 2004;109. [ Google search on this article ]
MeSH Headings:Biological Therapy: DNA, Recombinant: Genetic Engineering: Genetic Techniques: Genetic Vectors: Investigative Techniques: Therapeutics: Gene Therapy: Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and EquipmentCopyright © 2002 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.
