The Dean lab seeks to characterize the mechanism of nuclear transport and transcription of episomal DNA for the purposes of improving upon current gene therapy approaches. At present, gene therapy is limited in its uses due to inefficient levels of episomal expression. The lab has shown that DNA gets imported into the nucleus in a sequence specific manner and is currently employing promoter studies to identify tissue specific sequences. We are also beginning to analyze the transcription profile of episomes that have been introduced into a cell by various
methods. By using an RNA binding protein fused to GFP and a labeled plasmid, we can characterize the number of DNA sequences being transcribed at any given time. Further understanding of the molecular events controlling the uptake, nuclear import, and expression of exogenous DNA will provide keys to prolonging their potential therapeutic effect.