I'm writing a story about a group of test subjects being given superhuman abilities through use of genetic modification. The way this works is that scientists have modified a virus to carry the specific genes they want to introduce to the test subjects. Viruses are already used for gene therapy in a similar way, so I'm well within the realm of realism. What I need from you guys is a virus that can be used as a catalyst for this kind of task. Does anybody know of a virus that fits the criteria I have below? I know I could just say, "a genetically modified virus," and no one would bat an eye, but I'd like the process to have ties to the real world by using a real world virus.
The requirements for the virus are:
My preferences are:
Now before you say it, I am aware that there is a completely harmless virus already used for genetic modification (the name escapes me at the moment), so don't tell me I'm over-complicating things. (Not for that, anyway. I'm well-aware I don't need to be this specific) I'd rather use a more identifiable virus because I'm trying to build a theme with humans hijacking nature's tools because humanity struggles to do what nature does so, well, naturally.
Basically, does anybody know a virus that at least fits the first three criteria?
The requirements for the virus are:
- Relatively recognizable
- Not airborne, and generally not super contagious (Obviously it wouldn't be good for a genetically modified virus infecting anything it shouldn't. We've all seen movies, we know how that goes)
- Capable of infecting a range of different cells (There are some viruses that are cell-specific)
My preferences are:
- A relatively large virus (The main limitation for this kind of genetic modification is the amount of genes you can fit into it and still have it work)
- Something that can affect muscles, joints, bones, or nerves. (Any of the four will do)
- A relatively simple structure
- Uses RNA instead of DNA (RNA viruses are more likely to end up in a cell's genetic code)
- Something that doesn't kill cells when it reproduces (REALLY not an issue if this is left out, as minor regeneration of tissues will be one of the abilities aquired anyway)
Now before you say it, I am aware that there is a completely harmless virus already used for genetic modification (the name escapes me at the moment), so don't tell me I'm over-complicating things. (Not for that, anyway. I'm well-aware I don't need to be this specific) I'd rather use a more identifiable virus because I'm trying to build a theme with humans hijacking nature's tools because humanity struggles to do what nature does so, well, naturally.
Basically, does anybody know a virus that at least fits the first three criteria?
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