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Protein Carrier Adeno-Associated VirusClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading platform for gene therapy, enabling the delivery of therapeutic DNA to target cells. However, the potential of AAV to deliver protein payloads has been unexplored. In this study, we engineered a protein carrier AAV (pcAAV) to package and deliver proteins by inserting binding domains on the interior capsid surface. These binding domains mediate the packaging of specific target proteins through interaction with cognate peptides or protein tags during the capsid assembly process. We demonstrate the packaging of multiple proteins, including green fluorescent protein, Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9, Cre recombinase, and the engineered peroxidase APEX2. Packaging efficiency is modulated by the binding domain insertion site, the viral protein isoform containing the binding domain, and the subcellular localization of the target protein. We show that pcAAV can enter cells and deliver the protein payload and that enzymes retain their activity after packaging. Importantly, this protein packaging capability can be translated to multiple AAV serotypes. Our work establishes AAV as a protein delivery vehicle, significantly expanding the utility of this viral vector for biomedical applications.

New technology helps turn seawater into drinking water

Desalination can offer a relief in probably trillions of dollars of savings for countries even when drought comes.


Water desalination plants could replace expensive chemicals with new carbon cloth electrodes that remove boron from seawater, an important step of turning seawater into safe drinking water.

A study describing the new technology has been published in Nature Water by engineers at the University of Michigan and Rice University.

Tron Ares Trailer Breaks Records

Disney has finally taken us back to The Grid. This video goes over everything revealed in the official Tron Ares Trailer as well as other information we’ve learned.

Thumbnail Credit: https://gmunk.com/TRON-Concepts.
Background Credit: https://youtu.be/cragUPBty8U
3.0 Concept Art Credit: https://www.reddit.com/r/tron/comments/1hnir4i/tron_30_end_o…and_pitch/
Ares Concept Art Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DIMc2uXvJhQ/?hl=en&img_index=1

Join The Tron Community Discord Server & Discuss Tron Ares! https://discord.gg/QvGrBKrtGW

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