rAAV-hSyn

The hSyn promoter, derived from the human synapsin 1 gene, is a neuron-specific promoter commonly used in recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) systems. Its specificity for neurons makes it a widely used tool for studying and manipulating neural circuits and functions.

Features of rAAV-hSyn

• Neuron-Specific Expression:
  • The hSyn promoter drives transgene expression specifically in neurons, ensuring minimal off-target expression in glia or other cell types.
• Broad Compatibility:
  • Functional across excitatory and inhibitory neurons in various species, including rodents, non-human primates, and humans.
• High Expression:
  • Provides robust and consistent expression in neurons while maintaining cell-type specificity.
• Long-Term Stability:
  • Enables sustained transgene expression, suitable for chronic studies.

Applications of rAAV-hSyn

• Neuroscience Research:
  • Circuit Mapping: Expression of tracers or fluorescent proteins to study neural connectivity.
  • Optogenetics: Delivery of optogenetic tools (e.g., channelrhodopsins, halorhodopsins) for precise neural activation or silencing.
  • Calcium Imaging: Use of calcium indicators (e.g., GCaMP) to monitor neuronal activity.
• Gene Therapy:
  • Experimental therapies targeting neurons for neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) and other CNS disorders.
• Behavioral Studies:
  • Manipulating specific neural circuits to investigate their role in behaviors, such as learning, memory, or motor control.
• CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing:
  • Delivery of gene-editing components selectively to neurons for targeted gene modification.
• Neurodegenerative Disease Modeling:
  • Introduction of disease-related genes or knockdown of neuronal genes to model disorders in vivo.

rAAV-hSyn is a powerful and reliable tool for neuron-specific gene delivery in neuroscience and gene therapy applications. Its broad applicability and strong, stable expression make it a preferred choice for studying and manipulating neural circuits and for developing targeted therapies for CNS disorders.