The Vector Core provides Rheumatic Diseases Core Center (RDCC) members with several technologicalplatforms to facilitate over-expression or reduced expression of specific genes, to assist researchers inunderstanding the function and interaction of those genes relevant to the study of rheumatic diseases.These platforms include both recombinant non-viral and viral products that facilitate the transfer of specificgenes into cells of interest. The Vector Core also provides intellectual and technical advice to RDCCresearchers regarding the optimal use and production of these systems.Despite the wide application of molecular biology to the study of rheumatic diseases, many investigatorsdo not possess a working knowledge of recombinant vectors. Many of the operational techniques requiredfor optimal use of these gene transfer vectors are specialized and difficult to acquire without expertassistance. In addition, the manufacture of these reagents needs to be performed in laboratory space thathas been specifically configured to comply with NIH biological containment guidelines. The requirements forcompliance with these biosafety guidelines inhibit many investigators from pursuing the use of thesevaluable reagents. The Vector Core has been established to provide a cost-effective source of thesevaluable platforms while minimizing RDCC members' need to spend time and money on new laboratoryspace and hiring their own vector experts.
The Specific Aims of the Vector Core are to: 1. Provide a Core laboratory for the development,construction, purification and characterization of recombinant vectors containing genes relevant to the studyof rheumatic diseases for use as in vitro and in vivo gene transfer reagents. These systems include bothnon-viral (expression plasmid) and viral (recombinant retrovirus, recombinant adenovirus, and recombinantAAV) technologies. 2. Collaborate closely with RDCC researchers to ensure the Vector Core provides theplatforms RDCC members require. 3. Maintain qualified staff and monitor the competition to continuallyimprove the Vector Core and provide high quality, cost effective products to RDCC members.
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