Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

William Osborne, Ph.D.

Research Professor of Pediatrics
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
wosborne@u.washington.edu
206-543-4735
University of Washington, Box 356320
Seattle, WA 98195-6320

Dr. Osborne's research focuses on new approaches to gene therapy, the technique of supplying a functioning gene to compensate for a gene that is missing or defective. He works with animal models to develop viral vectors that optimize expression of the gene of interest and investigate which cell types make the most effective vehicles for transferring the therapeutic gene into the body. A major emphasis of this research is development of methods for implantation of genetically modified cells to provide long-lasting therapy.

Osborne is currently investigating gene therapy methods for treating several disorders, including anemia associated with chronic renal failure, insulin-dependent diabetes, and cyclic hematopoiesis, a rare disease caused by a stem cell defect that occurs in humans and grey collie dogs and results in periodic fluctuations in blood cell production. He is using lentiviral vectors to transduce non-dividing bone marrow and neuronal cells.

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 • chdd@u.washington.edu