The major biomedical engineering challenge in non-viral gene expression systems include effective delivery systems for systemic and targeted gene therapy. Current research indicates that cationic lipid preparations may be optimal for gene expression in tissues such as skeletal muscle. This might be a site of choice for a hormone such as growth hormone. For targeted therapy of vascular lesions, other delivery vehicles are likely to be more suitable. An engineering-based understanding of the delivery and release characteristics combined with a molecular understanding of nuclear targeting, promoter and enhancer efficiency is likely to be required for viable solutions to this problem.
Viral vectors are currently the most efficient way of delivering genes.
However, significant problems are associated with adenoviral vectors, the most commonly used such vectors. This delivery system offers great promise, because the immunological complications are much less prevalent. However, genetic engineering challenges include the proper and effective engineering of the therapeutic gene for high and sustained expression, size constraints, and production of virus. Alternatively, a faculty candidate with expertise in retroviral systems would also fit the program. The faculty in parallel gene analysis would work on detection of gene expression in health and disease, gene detection in cells and forensic samples, or allelic variation of genes in the population.