UPV is a mixed UAB-VHIR unit (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-Vall d’Hebrón Institut de Recerca) specialized in the cloning, production and purification of adenovirus (human and canine) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes. Since its opening in 2003 it has been dedicated to the design, development, production and purification of more than 1000 viral vectors for basic research and gene therapy pre-clinical studies for both public and private research laboratories.
UPV has Biological Safety Level 2 and 3 facilities and it is staffed by experienced and highly qualified personnel. National ID numbers to work with Biosafety level 1 OGMs: A/ES/16/I-11 and Biosafety level 2 OGMs: A/ES/14/I-29. Authorized by the Spanish Ministerio de Agricultura, Alimentación y Medio Ambiente.
Viral vectors are widely used tools for in vitro gene transfer and in vivo gene expression. Their use is an attractive choice given their high transduction efficiency, and the ease and flexibility to genetically express or inhibit one gene or a combination of genes in specific areas and periods of time. Despite the availability of standardized procedures for their application in both in vitro and in vivo, and their low risk level when used in a controlled setting, the production of viral vectors requires the application of specialized techniques, access to expensive equipment and biological safety laboratories.
Services:
- Design and construction of plasmid vectors
- Generation, production, purification and characterization of new and already existing viral vectors
- Assistance in the selection and design of vectors
- Quality control assays
- Aliquots of reporter genes (GFP, RFP, Cre, Bgal, Null) for preliminary experiments
- NEW: In vivo behavioral characterization of mouse models (sensorimotor functions, emotional and cognitive tests)
