Local Scientific Fellow presenting at International Conference
Dr Brenda Castro, Scientific Fellow, LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre presented a poster at the XXV Biennial Meeting of the International Society for Eye Research (ISER), Gold Coast on 19-23 February 2023.
The International Society for Eye Research (ISER), provides a unique international platform for discussion and exchange of ideas on contemporary topics in eye and vision research among its members and the broader eye/vision research community. The scientific program provides a unique platform for presentations and discussions on advancing scientific research, at both clinical and laboratory levels.
The poster Dr Castro presented included data regarding the development of a gene therapy employing a vector optimised for retinal gene delivery. This can lead to lower doses and lesser adverse events, increasing the safety. It also included some elements for a controlled expression of the therapeutic protein, which also improves safety and allows for an individualised treatment.
The Poster Topic:
Engineered AAV Capsids and Inducible Systems as Strategies for an Optimised Gene Therapy Targeting Acquired Retinal Diseases
Acknowledgement of the Contributors:
Brenda F. M. Castro*1,2, Sergei Kozlov1,2, Jason C. Steel3, Christopher J. Layton1,2,3,
- LVF Ophthalmology Research Centre, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Greenslopes Clinical School, University of Queensland School of Medicine, Brisbane, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Queensland, Australia
Aim:
Development of optimised gene therapies for acquired ocular conditions by employing AAV variants with enhanced retinal tropism and constructs containing inducible systems, in order to achieve a targeted and regulated expression.
Conclusion:
A novel AAV variant with optimised retinal tropism for intravitreal application was developed along with constructs allowing a controlled expression to improve the potential application of gene therapies in acquired ocular diseases.