UMCUniversity of Massachusetts Chan Medical School · Genetics
Oligodendrocyte Gene Therapy Lab
Guangping Gao · Worcester, Massachusetts
Research Focus
Dr. Guangping Gao's lab focuses on developing targeted gene therapies to treat rare neurological disorders, specifically those affecting oligodendrocytes, which are crucial for healthy brain function. Their research primarily addresses conditions like Canavan disease and other leukodystrophies, employing innovative adeno-associated virus (AAV) strategies to improve the safety and effectiveness of gene therapy in these diseases. By understanding how AAV interacts with oligodendrocytes, the lab aims to enhance gene delivery systems tailored to these specific cell types.
gene therapyAAVCanavan diseaseleukodystrophiesoligodendrocytesneurodegenerative diseasessafetytransductionpromoter design
Research Aims
5AIM 01Enhance the specificity of oligodendrocyte targeting in gene therapy.
AIM 02Develop a novel promoter to reduce off-target effects in gene therapy for Canavan disease.
AIM 03Investigate the mechanisms of AAV capsid interactions with oligodendrocytes.
AIM 04Assess the safety and efficacy of the newly designed gene therapy approaches in preclinical models.
AIM 05Broaden the applications of gene therapy to other oligodendrocyte-related disorders.
Skills the Lab Values
gene delivery strategiesrecombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)cell culture techniquesmouse modelsmolecular cloningproteomicsfluorescence microscopyDNA sequencingdata analysis
Output against the department
Publications500top 14% of dept.36th of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations36ktop 17% of dept.44th of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
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