Award details

N-Cap RNA: protected RNAs for in-tube diagnostic controls and inter-laboratory standards

Reference	BBS/E/J/000CA502
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor George Lomonossoff
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	John Innes Centre
Department	John Innes Centre Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	3,602
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	06/11/2012
End date	05/11/2013
Duration	12 months

Abstract

The overall objective of the project is to develop the N-cap system for the production of controls for PCR-based diagnostic reactions and inter-laboratory proficiency testing to the point that it can be widely deployed. The N-cap system is based on encapsulating target RNA sequences within the robust particles of the plant virus, cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV), to create N-cap mimics. This approach has already been shown to be highly effective in experiment diagnostic test. The challenge now is to develop efficient methods for the routine production of a wide variety of N-cap mimics for customers. The individual objectives towards this ultimate goal are: Development of improved methods for the production of N-cap mimics. This will involve investigating whether the yield of mimics can be improved through the use of vacuum infiltration and alternative hosts for their propagation. Improved N-Cap vector constructs. More “user-friendly” vectors will be created and the effect of deleting increasing amounts of the movement protein on mimic yield will be determined. 3. Creation of a tripartite N-cap system. In this system the coat proteins required for encapsidation will be provided by a separate construct, enabling the mimic RNA to harbour increased insert lengths 4. Improved methods of use of N-cap technology in diagnostic reactions. This will involve the determination of whether the mimics can be used in conjunction with a variety of different nucleic acid amplification technologies.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	Microbiology, Technology and Methods Development
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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