Design. Build. Deliver.
The Viral and Non-Viral Vector Core (VNVVC) supports Precision Medicine Center members and the broader research community in the development, production, and application of gene delivery technologies for cystic fibrosis and beyond. We function as both a research and development partner and a service facility, enabling gene addition and gene editing studies through high-quality viral and non-viral vectors.
Our Mission
To enable efficient and reproducible gene delivery and gene editing by providing expert consultation, cutting-edge vector technologies, and high-quality production of viral and non-viral delivery tools.
What We Do
End-to-End Gene Delivery Support
🧬 Delivery Strategies Supported
- Gene addition (therapeutic transgenes)
- Gene editing (CRISPR, base editing, RNA-based tools)
🧫 Vector Platforms
- Adenovirus (Ad)
- Helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd)
- Adeno-associated virus (AAV)
- Lentivirus (LV)
- Virus-like particles (VLPs)
- Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)
- Specialized vectors (e.g., baculovirus, vaccinia)
Key Services
🔹 Research & Development
- Translate in silico vector designs into physical products
- Generate new expression vectors
- Develop and optimize vector production methods
- Compare emerging technologies with established platforms
🔹 Vector Production
- Assemble custom plasmids for:
- Transgenes
- Guide RNAs / shRNAs
- Gene and base editing machinery
- Prepare recombinant viral and non-viral vectors
- Purification, titration, and quality control prior to release
🔹 Education & Consultation
- Study design consultation for gene delivery
- Present technology advances through:
- Joint lab meetings
- Journal clubs
- Seminars and webinars
- Provide protocols and hands-on training for:
- Delivery efficiency
- Editing efficacy
🔹 Materials Archive
- Itemized catalog of available vector stocks
- Plasmid database of viral and non-viral expression vectors
- Access to standard cell lines and reporter vectors
🔹 Why work with us?
- Integrated R&D + production model
- Multiple vector platforms under one Core
- Expertise in CRISPR-based airway gene delivery
- Close collaboration throughout design → testing → delivery
- Serves internal and external investigators
Core Leadership
Dr. Patrick Sinn, PhD
Dr. Sinn is an expert in viral and non-viral gene delivery with a research focus on how viral vectors and respiratory viruses enter lung cells. His work informs the development of gene therapy and disease prevention strategies, particularly for cystic fibrosis. Dr. Sinn designs and implements gene delivery and gene editing tools using lentiviral, adenoviral, and adeno-associated virus (AAV) platforms.
As Director of the Viral & Non-Viral Vector Core, Dr. Sinn supports investigators worldwide by providing consultation, vector development, and high-quality viral and non-viral vectors for studies across multiple organ systems, including the lung, eye, brain, liver, heart, muscle, cardiovascular, and neuromuscular systems.
Viral and Non-Viral Vector Core
The overall objective of the Viral and Non-Viral Vector Core (VNVVC)is to support Precision Medicine Center members and the research community in generating and implementing gene delivery technologies. This includes consultation, development of novel delivery tools, collaborative testing of vectors for function and purity, and routine preparations of viral and non-viral vectors.