The ability to selectively delete genes in specific neuronal cell types in mice enhances the study of complex brain functions, behavioral traits, and neurodegenerative diseases. In the February 19
They chose adeno-associated virus (AAV) as a gene delivery vector, as it exhibits low toxicity and immunogenicity, and stable gene expression in the nervous system. They developed an AAV construct encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to a nuclear localization signal and the Cre recombinase (AAV-GFP/Cre). They then used a reporter transgenic mouse that expresses β-galactosidase upon Cre-induced recombination. The mice were injected with AAV-GFP/Cre particles in the hippocampus, striatum, septum or substantia nigra.
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