The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine at Weill Cornell leads a dynamic and innovative translational research program, advancing diverse fields such as Genetic Therapy and Personalized Medicine.
Our translational research program aims to leverage our expertise in genetic therapies and personalized medicine to develop clinical solutions that target the molecular causes of human diseases.
The Department of Genetic Medicine advances treatments and diagnostics through diverse clinical trials, including drug testing and research to better understand diseases.
Based on the theoretical concern that chronic over-expression of the exogenous CFTR protein could be associated with adverse effects following gene transfer, we have constructed a replication-deficient adenovirus (Ad) vector containing the normal human CFTR cDNA controlled by a chimeric, cAMP-regulatable promoter responsive to agents that elevate intracellular cAMP levels. Studies with the IB3 human CF-derived respiratory epithelial line as a model target for CF gene therapy and forskolin to elevate cAMP levels demonstrated that following infection with the AdCF126(CRE8) CFTR vector, there was a marked increase in CFTR mRNA levels after forskolin addition. There was an associated correction of cAMP-mediated Cl- secretion that could be further increased with additional forskolin. cAMP-mediated Cl- secretion was corrected with vector doses as low as 0.2 MOI, a dose that can be achieved in vivo in humans. These observations suggest the feasibility of using a regulatable promoter for gene therapy for CF, with the promoter and gene product stimulated by the same class of pharmacologic agents.