The DF/HCC Vector Core Facility will provide a centralized service for the production and characterization of gene transfer reagents necessary for investigators of  DF/HCC. The immediate capabilities of this core will include the rapid case construction and characterization of plasmid DNA constructs, and the production of both research and clinical (GMP) grade viral vectors useful for the genetic modification of mammalian cells. The Core provides expertise in the design and construction of vectors useful for obtaining the tissue-specific expression of inserted genes, and vectors in which expression can be regulated by exogenous means. A rather unique feature of the Core is that in addition to providing vector production services and general advice on matters of gene transfer, members of the staff will become directly involved in the development and optimization of transduction protocols for a number of the specific cell types that are the focus of studies by members of the DF/HCC (e.g. primary tumor cell cultures, hematopoietic lineage cells, dendritic cells/progenitors, etc.), and for direct in situ transduction of tumor cells in vivo.
http://hgti.med.harvard.edu