Viral Vector Core

1. Purpose:  The Viral Vector Core (VVC) is a joint effort of the Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Pulmonary Biology and provides research-grade Retroviral and Adenoviral Vectors based on a fee-for-service model to support and enhance research at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the University of Cincinnati Medical Centers, the Genome Research Institute and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation. Services can be requested by faculty or staff members.
   
   
2. Location:  Research-grade Retroviral and Adenoviral vectors are produced in physically separated, dedicated Biosafety Level 2 (BL2) laboratories. Retroviral Vectors are produced in the Vector Production Facility (VPF), located on the third floor of the Hoxworth Building or in the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Building under the direction of Han van der Loo, PhD. Adenoviral vectors are prepared in a BL2 laboratory located on the 4th floor of the Research Building directed by Bruce Trapnell, MD.
   
   
3. Equipment:  The VVC began operations in the fall of 2003 and has since produced 120 different viral vector products. We are offering the following research level services: 1. Production of retroviral and adenoviral vectors using vector plasmids provided by the investigator. 2. Generation of stable retroviral producer cell lines. 3. Vector titration. 4. Mycoplasma and sterility testing. 5. Plasmid purification. 6. Vector concentration (select envelopes). 7. Lentiviral vector generation and RCL testing. (to be available in Fall of 2004.)
   
   
4. Director:  The Viral Vector Core and Retroviral Vector component of the Core are under the direction of Dr. Han van der Loo, Division of Experimental Hematology, Department of Pediatrics ( Han.vanderloo@cchmc.org ). Ph 513-475-4093 The adenoviral vector component of the core is managed by Dr. Bruce Trapnell, Division of Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics ( Bruce.Trapnell@cchmc.org ). Ph 513-636-6361
   
   
5. Fee structure:  The costs for services are charged to the Division's or Department's budget through the CCHMC Research Administration Service Center. Overall, fees have been subsidized to allow cost efficiency to investigators. Contact the VVC for a pricing overview or for a formal Quote.
   
   
6. Accessible:  Investigators requiring Vector Core services should complete and submit a Request Form for Retroviral or Adenoviral Vector. Request forms can be downloaded from the Vector Core website at http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/div/exp-hematology/translational/vpf/vvc/default.htm For general information regarding the Viral Vector Core, or for further information regarding the Retroviral Vector component of the Core, please contact Dr. Han van der Loo at 513-475-4093. For further information regarding the Adenoviral Vector component of the Core, please contact Dr. Bruce Trapnell at 513-636-6361.
   
   
7. Website:  http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/research/div/exp-hematology/translational/vpf/vvc/default.htm