Daniel Barajas Email and Phone Number

Developed and led advanced research efforts focused on AAV vector safety and transduction efficiency. Spearheaded innovation in viral vector design and evaluation.• Designed and constructed rAAV payloads and stuffer sequences for improved efficacy and safety.• Evaluated alternative ITRs and Rep cassettes for improved AAV production yield and quality.• Engineering of ITRs for improved efficacy.

Led a molecular biology team optimizing AAV production in insect cell/baculovirus systems. Contributed to critical regulatory milestones for Roctavian.• Developed rep/cap cassettes enhancing the production of AAV in insect cells.• Established in-house expertise on AAV residual DNA, contributing to assay improvements and regulatory filings.• Led the selection of bacmid clones for AAV production, ensuring quality starting material for production banks.

Supported molecular biology activities critical to AAV vector production, leading to advancements in upstream process and assay development.• Conducted studies to evaluate baculovirus stability, optimizing AAV production.• Established in-house expertise on ddPCR analysis of AAV vector genomes and residual DNA.• Co-directed a PhD program utilizing the yeast AAV production platform.

Developed a platform for production of infectious AAV vectors in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.• Published first demonstration of infectious AAV vector production in yeast and supported patent application.

Viruses hijack key components of the host cells to redirect the cell metabolism towards virus synthesis. Using a model (+)RNA virus system in yeast we have discovered new roles of host factors in virus replication, including:-A new role of ESCRT in assembly of the TBSV viral replicase.-An inhibitory/regulatory role of WW domain-containing proteins in replication of some (+) RNA viruses.-Key host proteins required for viral reprogramming of the host lipid metabolism.

-RNA silencing as a method to engineer resistance to plant viruses.-Viral RNA silencing-suppressor proteins. -Recombination in (+) RNA viruses.-Interplay of viruses and microRNAs in plants.-Cloning of microRNAs and microRNA-cleaved mRNA products

Genetic transformation of plants. In vitro plant tissue culture.Screening Tomato varieties for resistance to Cucumber mosaic virus

Regulatory roles of miRNAs in plants