University of Naples, Naples, Italy

Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) and Bioimaging Institute of the National Research Center (CNR)

[Scientific staff | Publications within DiMI | References]

Group Description

The Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM) is a large Italian research institution (entirely funded by Telethon, a private non-profit foundation) with a main focus on the isolation and characterization of disease genes, creation of animal models of inherited diseases, and, more recently, developing pre-clinical gene-based therapies. Since September 2002 the Institute has recruited principal investigators with experience in adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector mediated gene transfer to retina, muscle, liver and lung of animal models of inherited disease. In addition, one of the TIGEM PIs, Alberto Auricchio, has successfully developed methods to monitor in vivo gene transfer using either Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy or Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT). TIGEM offers all the infrastructures for vector development, production and administration to animal models of retinal, peripheral nerve, inner ear and metabolic disorders. To image in vivo gene transfer, TIGEM will team up with other DiMI partners.