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Penn Vector Core
The Penn Vector Core is an important technological resource for investigators, both within and external to the University of Pennsylvania, who are interested in the use of vectors for gene transfer. The main objective of the Core is to provide investigators access to state-of-the-art vector technology for preclinical studies and other basic research applications. Such studies, utilizing carefully designed viral vectors, can provide information critical to the understanding of gene function and development of therapeutic vectors.
The range of services provided by the Penn Vector Core includes:
- Production of custom vectors designed according to the needs of the investigator
- Provision of ready-made reporter gene vectors from our inventory
- Consultation and advice in the design of custom vectors and in vector serotype/pseudotype selection
- Vector serotype/pseudotype kits containing a panel of selected vectors for pilot studies or in vivo screening
- Design, cloning and production of plasmid DNA for the production of custom vectors
- DNA structure assays including full sequence analysis
- Provision of cloning vectors for insertion of genes of interest prior to vector production
Vector Production. The vector systems currently available through Penn Vector Core are those derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus and lentivirus. The Core offers AAV-based vectors pseudotyped with a variety of different serotype capsids which have demonstrated transduction profiles superior to those of previous generations in a variety of target tissues. The Core currently provides AAV vectors based on serotypes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and rh10 with additional serotypes under evaluation. Adenoviral vectors generated by the Core include those with a variety of backbone deletions including E1-deleted, E3-deleted and E1- and E3-deleted vectors. Lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with a range of envelope glycoproteins such as those derived from VSV-G, MuLV, LCMV, Mokola and deletion variants of Ebola are also available to investigators through Penn Vector Core. For details on each vector system provided, please follow the links below:
- Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (AAV)
- Adenoviral Vectors
- Lentiviral Vectors
- Additional Services
Quality Control. An integral part of the Penn Vector Core is its robust quality control program which is carried out by a separate quality control group. Quality control assays have been developed and optimized for each vector and criteria are in place which must be met before the release of any vector from our facility. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are followed and batch record forms utilized for each assay conducted by the Core.
Vector Development. Penn Vector Core maintains strong links to key laboratories at Penn involved in novel vector development. Relevant innovations are quickly brought into the Vector Core where they are validated and made available to investigators. Improved methods of creation of new adenoviral vectors, novel AAV serotypes derived from human and non-human primates, and various pseudotyped lentiviruses have been developed in the laboratory of Dr. James Wilson and transferred to the Penn Vector Core.
Technology Transfer. The Penn Vector Core is committed to providing materials to investigators outside of the University of Pennsylvania for basic research purposes. The Director of Penn Vector is available to work with the investigator to determine the material requested is most suitable for the intended research application. The Penn Vector intellectual property (IP) liaison will then guide the investigator through the process of obtaining a material transfer agreement (MTA) and ensure that the application proceeds in an expeditious manner. The MTA will be forwarded to the technology transfer office at the requesting institution and any issues will be directed to the Penn Vector IP liaison who will coordinate responses and revisions with the UPenn Office of Research Services (ORS). It should be noted that certain Penn Vector materials are obligated to a commercial license however this does not limit our ability to distribute these materials for research purposes.
- Technology Transfer for academic investigators external to UPenn
- Technology Transfer for commercial users
- Research Collaborations by UPenn investigators
Penn Vector Core Grants The Penn Vector Core has been selected as the National Preclinical Vector Core as part of the National Heart Blood and Lung Institute (NHLBI) Gene Therapy Resource Program. To apply for NHLBI GTRP funding, please contact the GTRP via the link below. The Penn Vector Core has also been designated as a National Vector Core Center by the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation to support gene therapy for CF research. Additional grant support is available for UPenn investigators working on genetic diseases through the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) P30 Center Grant as well as through the Diabetes and Endocrine-Related Disease Center (DERC) Grant. Eligibility for CF, P30 or DERC funding is determined following consultation with the Penn Vector Core Director. Additional information on these grant sponsors is available below: