Efficient transduction of green fluorescent protein in spinal cord neurons using adeno-associated virus vectors containing cell type-specific promoters

摘要: In this study, we have evaluated the capacity of recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors, containing cell type-specific promoters, to transduce neurons in vivo normal adult rat spinal cord. The neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) B-chain were used direct expression a ‘humanized’ form gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP). Neuron-specific rAAVs injected into mid-cervical regions cords. At 10–14 days, was detected all animals persisted up 15 weeks. Immunocytochemical morphological profiles transduced cells consistently neuronal, there no evidence transgene glial elements. Transduction efficiencies NSE PDGF estimated at 45 infectious particles per GFP-positive neuron, respectively, absence detectable adenovirus. This study strongly supports role rAAV vectors CNS therapy lays groundwork delivery more functional genes cord as possible way enhance repair following injury.