How to Select AAV Serotypes for Neurological Research?

Creative Biolabs is pleased to share our extensive expertise in AAV serotype selection to facilitate research and project development for our clients.

AAV Applications in the Nervous System

The application of AAV in the nervous system mainly includes two main categories, neuronal tracing tools, and gene manipulation tools.

Accurate labeling of neural circuits with AAV requires consideration of reversibility, including neuronal anterograde, and retrograde labeling.

Fig. 1 Modalities of AAV labeling of neurons. (Bostan, et al., 2020)

Currently, there are only two serotypes that can be used for neuronal anterograde labeling, AAV9, and AAV1.

The only retrograde labeling available is the Retro serotype, a mutant of AAV2 that can be used when exploring the source of nerve fiber projections in a brain region.

The existence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) has a strong protective effect on the central nervous system (CNS), but it can also block the transmission and absorption of drugs. AAV9, AAVPHP.B, AAVPHP.eB, and AAVPHP.S can effectively mediate the translocation of genes from the periphery to the CNS, and then deliver genetic material to the brain or spinal cord.

Fig. 2 Serotypes that can cross the BBB. (Chan, et al., 2017)

As a genetic manipulation tool, there are many serotypes that can be selected. Appropriate serotypes are often selected according to different parts of peripheral nerves, spinal cord, brain regions and cell types.

Table1. Selection of different serotypes.

Fig. 3 Spinal cord(left) and amygdala(right) infection by different serotypes of AAV. (Park, et al., 2017)

In addition, nervous system-specific promoters can also be combined with serotypes to more efficiently and specifically gene expression.

Table2. Selection of different promoters.

Creative Biolabs is a leading supplier of custom neuroscience solutions to our partners worldwide. Our services range from gene function research to mechanism research. We are pleased to share our expertise in neuroscience research, please contact us for more technical support.

References

1. Bostan, A. C.; et al. The cerebellum and basal ganglia are interconnected. Neuropsychol Rev. 2010, 20(3), 261-270.
2. Chan, K.Y.; et al. Engineered AAVs for efficient noninvasive gene delivery to the central and peripheral nervous systems. Nat Neurosci. 2017, 20(8), 1172-1179.
3. Park, S.H.; et al. Adeno-associated virus serotype rh10 is a useful gene transfer vector for sensory nerves that innervate bone in immunodeficient mice. Sci Rep. 2017, 7(1), 17428.