Gene Vector and Virus Core

Welcome to the GVVC - Gene Vector and Virus Core

Viruses Produced     Adeno-associated viruses   Lentiviruses   Retroviruses

Overview of Services    The delivery of recombinant genes into neurons is a critically important strategy for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying all brain functions, as well as for how these mechanisms go awry in brain disorders. A complementary and equally important strategy is delivery of inhibitory RNAs to eliminate or reduce specific brain proteins. Genetically engineered viruses provide powerful tools for introducing these constructs into brain cells. Indeed it is now possible, using a single virus particle, to both eliminate specific proteins and replace them with modified versions in specific subsets of cells in the brain. It is also possible, using viruses, to express proteins that will allow precise control over the electrical activity of individual nerve cells. These virally mediated molecular manipulations allow unprecedented experimental control over synapses, cells and circuits in model systems as well as in vivo in the mammalian brain.   To facilitate the use of these state-of-the-art methodologies by Stanford neuroscientists, the Neuroscience Gene Vector and Virus Core centralizes the process of producing and distributing viral vectors and cDNA plasmids. This benefits the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s overall mission by preventing the duplication of efforts by Stanford faculty and thus greatly increasing the efficiency of all of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s programs.     Stock Viruses   The virus core has generated several pre-made viruses (AAVs, lentiviruses, retroviruses) that are available at cost on a first come, first served basis. Stock viruses can serve several purposes such as: negative controls screening cells and animals for infection efficiency in cases where it is unknown (“tropism screening”) practicing infections or in vivo injections.   Since the stock viruses are pre-made, the time required to obtain them is significantly shortened. Several stock viruses are currently available that express fluorescent reporters or optogenetic tools. Stock viruses with specific genes of interest will be generated and maintained if there is enough ongoing demand.   List of currently available stock viruses: https://neuroscience.stanford.edu/research/programs/community-labs/neuroscience-gene-vector-and-virus-core/stock-viruses

Getting Started - Account Setup

• Stanford Users:  LOGIN or REGISTER for an iLab account using valid Stanford credentials (SUNet ID).

• Non-Stanford Users:  Click to LOGIN with approved iLab credentials. Or, click to SIGN UP for an iLab account.

• Visit the Customer Help Manual for further guidance using iLab's Core Facility Services.

To request any service from our core, please read and follow the instructions in the forms below:

• Stanford users:

  Form to set up iLAB and place orders for Stanford users

• External users:

  Form to set up iLAB and place orders for external users

Before Beginning a Project

Leadership

Javier F. Alcudia, PhD | Director

Office:  2135

Phone: 650-723-0588

Email:  jalcudia at stanford dot edu

Location and Hours of Operation

Visitor Information

The Neuroscience Gene Vector and Virus Core is located in the Stanford University School of Medicine Technology & Innovation Park at Porter Drive south of the main campus.

The virus core lab is in 3165 Porter Drive on the main floor in room 2216.

Marguerite Shuttle bus: Lines 1050A, R and RP

http://transportation.stanford.edu/marguerite/schedules.php

Links and Resources

• Visit our facility website for more information: Neurosciences Gene Vector and Virus Core

• Working with viral vectors: MSDS

Publication Acknowledgement 

As with all Stanford Service Centers, credit must be given to Neuroscience Gene Vector and Virus Core for data that results in a publication. If the work done at GVVC produces data resulting in a figure in a publication, you are required to acknowledge Neuroscience Gene Vector and Virus Core in the publication. Further, if staff members provided significant experimental design, data interpretation, or other intellectual contribution (as evaluated by the PI), then it is expected that these individuals will be coauthors on the publication.

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