Hichem Tasfaout PharmD, PhD

Neurology
Acting Assistant Professor

Email: tasfaout@uw.edu | Phone: 206.616.4259

Our research focuses on developing novel gene therapies for muscular disorders caused by genetic mutations. We are exploring various approaches, including gene silencing using antisense oligonucleotides or small hairpin RNA (shRNA), and both viral and non-viral gene replacement strategies. Currently, we are particularly interested in bioengineering tools that enable the expression of large proteins, which have historically been challenging to deliver using conventional methods. Our techniques combine novel adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors with protein trans-splicing mediated by split inteins. Additionally, our lab specializes in genetic cloning and molecular biochemistry methods to develop and validate novel gene therapies in preclinical studies of congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies.