Synthetic adenovirus libraries for vector optimization Adenoviruses have been extensively utilized to address fundamental questions in biomedical research. These small DNA viruses rely on numerous host proteins for their own replication, and have been useful probes to explore the fundamental workings of the mammalian cell. Genetically tractable, recombinant adenoviruses have become widely used as vectors for gene delivery. Both rational and unbiased methods have been employed to enhance and modify their functional characteristics. Rational approaches to vector optimization are constrained by our incomplete understanding of many viral functions, while unbiased methods are technically limited by the size of the genome and the inherent difficulty of mutagenizing specific genes of interest. This proposal is focused on the development of a novel platform for the creation of customized adenovirus libraries. The critical innovation that underlies this project is a recently developed system for the in vitro assembly of adenovirus genomes from compact modules that can be individually manipulated and then reassembled. In this project, synthetic methods will be employed to generate focal regions of high diversity across the genome of human adenovirus 5, the most widely-employed vector serotype. The resulting DNA sub-libraries will be assembled into complete viral genomes, with each assembly assigned a unique barcode designed to facilitate library characterization and the tracking of individual mutants. The construction and characterization of high-content, focal adenoviral libraries, and their utility, will be demonstrated by a simple screen for mutant viruses that evade recognition by a neutralizing monoclonal antibody. The long term goal of this project is to develop a resource that can be shared and continually developed to meet the evolving needs of scientists across many disciplines.
Adenoviruses have been widely adopted for a variety of applications in biomedical research. The development of new adenovirus variants with useful properties is currently hampered by our incomplete knowledge of viral functions as well as the difficulties in applying the technical approaches of synthetic biology. This goal of this project is to develop a system for the creation of improved viruses for gene delivery.
