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Rice University
Rice University
Junghae Suh specializes in designing and investigating gene delivery vectors for various applications in biomedicine. Her Synthetic Virology Laboratory at Rice University combines broad-based knowledge of protein engineering and molecular/cell biology to engineer the properties of naturally occurring viruses for the treatment of debilitating human diseases.
One major aspect of Suh’s research is focused on constructing protease-activatable viruses (PAVs) that are based on benign naturally occurring adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors. At the site of diseased or injured tissue, cells produce elevated levels of particular protease enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases. By genetically inserting small protease-sensitive, “peptide locks” into the virus capsid, the therapeutic viral vectors can travel the body in a locked inert configuration, and when they encounter the right protease levels at sites of disease, they are then “unlocked” and able to bind to the cells and deliver payloads that treat disease.
Baylor College of Medicine
Baylor College of Medicine
Our research is focused on the regulation of lipid and lipoprotein metabolism aimed at understanding and treating cardiometabolic disease through basic science and translational projects. We use genetically engineered animal models in basic science projects to seek more in depth information about the molecular pathways involved, and the physiology of lipid metabolism in the context of the whole organism. A key area of interest is genes that regulate cholesterol synthesis and transport. Results from these studies will improve our understanding of rare and common genetic variants contributing to cardiovascular disease risk in humans, and help identify new therapeutic targets.
We use Adeno-Associated Viral (AAV) vectors in translational projects to manipulate gene expression in animal models, and to perform preclinical gene therapy for lipid and metabolic disorders. Our goal is to develop novel therapeutic approaches to treat rare metabolic diseases through overexpression, gene knockdown, and precise genome editing.
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