Influence of promoter and WHV post-transcriptional regulatory element on AAV-mediated transgene expression in the rat brain

Citation
Jc. Paterna et al., Influence of promoter and WHV post-transcriptional regulatory element on AAV-mediated transgene expression in the rat brain, GENE THER, 7(15), 2000, pp. 1304-1311
Citations number
29
Categorie Soggetti
Molecular Biology & Genetics
Journal title
GENE THERAPY
ISSN journal
09697128 → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
15
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1304 - 1311
Database
ISI
SICI code
0969-7128(200008)7:15<1304:IOPAWP>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) can transduce several tissues, including the brain. However, in brain the duration of gene expression in different areas is variable, which has been ascribed to viral (CMV) promote r silencing in some regions over time. We have compared expression of enhan ced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in the nigrostriatal pathway of rats m ediated by rAAVs containing the CMV or platelet-derived growth factor-beta chain (PDGF-beta) promoter. In addition, we studied the effects of the wood chuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE) on tra nsgene expression in vivo. The rAAV vectors containing the neuron-specific PDGF-beta chain promoter transduced significantly more dopaminergic neurons than titer-matched vectors carrying the CMV promoter. Moreover, the WPRE f urther increased EGFP expression, and a rAAV vector incorporating both the PDGF-beta chain promoter and the WPRE resulted in efficient EGFP expression in dopaminergic neurons and their projections in the striatum for at least 41 weeks after virus injection. Our results emphasize the importance of a strong tissue-specific promoter in achieving optimal transgene expression, not only in longterm but also in short-term studies where viral titers may be limiting. Furthermore, they suggest that incorporation of the WPRE into rAAVs, and possibly other types of vectors, is useful to enhance transgene expression in vivo.