Non-Viral Gene Delivery to Gut Stem Cells

The internship project will work to deliver a weight loss protein that will combat obesity. The intern will coat DNA for the protein with a natural substance that can be delivered orally or through surgery. If successful, the team expects to see the presence of this weight loss protein in the blood of the specimens. Moreover, the levels should increase after meals and this should encourage less eating and weight loss. enGene, a biotech company specializing in DNA delivery to the gut, will provide the training necessary for this project. Ultimately, these findings could support further clinical trials for this novel therapy in humans.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Timothy J. Kieffer

Student:

Michael Juan

Partner:

enGene Inc.

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Life sciences

University:

University of British Columbia