Human DHPS adenoviral particles

The DHPS (deoxyhypusine synthase) gene encodes a key enzyme involved in the post-translational modification of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A). This modification, termed hypusination, is essential for eIF5A’s role in protein synthesis, particularly in the elongation of peptides and the regulation of cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. DHPS catalyzes the first step of hypusination by transferring the aminobutyl moiety from spermidine to a conserved lysine residue in eIF5A. Dysregulation of DHPS has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and viral infections, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic target.

Human DHPS adenoviral particles are recombinant adenovirus vectors engineered to deliver the DHPS gene into target cells for functional studies or therapeutic purposes. These particles leverage the high transduction efficiency and broad tropism of adenoviruses, enabling robust gene expression in both dividing and non-diving cells. The adenoviral backbone is modified to ensure safety, often through the deletion of viral replication genes (E1/E3 regions), while retaining the capacity to carry the DHPS transgene under the control of a strong promoter (e.g., CMV or EF1α). Human DHPS adenoviral particles are widely used in in vitro and in vivo models to investigate the biological effects of DHPS overexpression, as well as its role in diseases like cancer or metabolic disorders. Additionally, they serve as valuable tools for developing gene therapies aimed at modulating hypusination pathways.