Retroviruses are a sub-category of oncoviruses that include the lentiviruses. Retroviruses are negative single-stranded RNA viruses in which tRNA serves as a primer for the mRNA synthesis. The mRNA is then reverse transcribed into DNA, which is then integrated into the chromosome at a multiplicity of sites, particularly those that are transcriptionally active. Our services for retroviruses include production of viral supernatant by transient transfection as well as assay for replication competent retrovirus.
Retroviral vector-mediated gene transfer has been central to the development of gene therapy. Retroviruses have several distinct advantages over other vectors, especially when permanent gene transfer is the preferred outcome. The most important advantage that retroviral vectors offer is their ability to transform their single-stranded RNA genome into a double stranded DNA molecule that stably integrates into the target cell genome. This means that retroviral vectors can be used to permanently modify the host cell nuclear genome.
All retrovirus vectors produced in the VDL are produced in compliance with GLP standards. Our retrovirus services include production of a retrovirus producer cell line by transfection.
In addition to the creation services, we also offer quality control assays including quantification of genome copies and quantification of retroviral vector infectivity.