IntroductiontoRetroLentiviralVectorsandthe-Medical.pptVIP

* Introduction to Retro/Lentiviral Vectors and the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) Daniel Eisenman, PhD Biosafety Officer Medical University of South Carolina eisenman@ (843) 792-4304 This presentation is intended to serve as an aid for researchers that are new to viral vectors for use with mammalian systems and would like assistance writing IBC applications. NIH’s Definition of Recombinant DNA (rDNA) Molecules that are constructed outside living cells by joining natural or synthetic DNA segments to DNA molecules that can replicate in a living cell. Molecules that result from the replication of those described above. Plasmid: Circular DNA Molecule Insert: Piece of DNA that codes for the desired protein product Recombinant DNA An institution’s IBC is charged with ensuring compliance with NIH guidelines for research involving rDNA. Any institution receiving funds from NIH to perform research involving recombinant DNA must have an IBC. The IBC must review the recombinant DNA research conducted at the institution. NIH guidelines refer to CDC guidelines for Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL) Failure to comply with these guidelines can result in loss of NIH funding by the institution and additional fines. Infectious Viruses: A Genetic “Syringe” Viruses are composed of genetic material encapsulated in a protein coat. Viruses inject their genetic material into target cells. Viruses infect target cells with their genetic material. The viral DNA can be altered to contain a gene of interest (rDNA) to infect that gene into the target cell. Virus Target Cell Target Cell Infected With Viral DNA Containing The Gene of Interest Cell’s DNA Viral DNA Gene of Interest DNA Loaded Syringe Viruses Cannot reproduce by themselves, so they infect cells with their genetic material to hijack the cellular machinery to produce more viruses. This process can result in cell death, tissue damage or even the death of the infected organism. Safety Concer