rAAV-GFAP

The GFAP promoter is derived from the gene encoding glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament protein predominantly expressed in astrocytes, a key glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS). Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) utilizing the GFAP promoter are specifically designed for astrocyte-specific gene expression.

Features of rAAV-GFAP

• Cell-Type Specificity:
  • The GFAP promoter drives transgene expression specifically in astrocytes, ensuring targeted manipulation of these glial cells.
• Central Nervous System Targeting:
  • Effective in brain and spinal cord astrocytes, making it a key tool for neuroscience research.
• Long-Term Expression:
  • rAAV-mediated delivery provides stable and persistent transgene expression in astrocytes.
• Tissue-Specific Application:
  • Ideal for studies focused on astrocyte functions in neural circuits, metabolic support, and neuroinflammation.

Applications of rAAV-GFAP

• Astrocyte-Specific Research:
  • Circuit Modulation: Expression of optogenetic or chemogenetic tools (e.g., halorhodopsins, DREADDs) to study astrocyte contributions to neural activity and behavior.
  • Calcium Imaging: Delivery of calcium indicators (e.g., GCaMP) to monitor astrocytic activity during physiological or pathological states.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases:
  • Investigating astrocyte involvement in diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • Delivery of therapeutic genes targeting astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation or metabolic dysfunction.
• Glial-Neuronal Interactions:
  • Studying the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter clearance, and blood-brain barrier maintenance.
• Gene Therapy:
  • Astrocyte-specific expression of therapeutic proteins, neurotrophic factors, or enzymes to support neuronal survival or modulate disease pathways.

rAAV-GFAP is an essential tool for targeting astrocytes in neuroscience and gene therapy. It enables specific investigation of astrocyte functions and their roles in CNS health and disease. Its high specificity and stable expression make it invaluable for both basic research and therapeutic development.