Abstract
Polyoma pseudovirions consist of fragments of mouse DNA encapsidated within polyoma virus coats. The pseudovirions are adsorbed to and enter secondary mouse embryo or human embryo cells. The nuclear fraction of such pseudovirus-infected cells can be shown to contain pseudovirions as well as uncoated naked pseudoviral DNA. Thus, polyoma pseudovirions can deliver DNA to the nuclei of such mouse or human cells. Polyoma pseudovirions may be analogous to generalized transducing phage but as yet evidence for the expression of any genetic information of the pseudovirions is lacking. Since the DNA of polyoma pseudovirions appears to consist of random fragments of mouse DNA, a research program to learn how to assemble a gene-enriched particle has been started. A pancreatic DNase-resistant and high salt-resistant particle has been formed after the incubation of polyama empty capsids and DNA. This new particle has been isolated and characterized. Such experiments are continuing in order to develop polyoma pseudovirions as a gene delivery system for mammalian cells as well as whole animals.
Published Version
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