Exp Neurol, 2022 · DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113965 · Published: April 1, 2022
This research explores using a special virus (rAAV2-retro) to deliver gene-modifying instructions to nerve cells affected by spinal cord injury. The virus travels backward along nerve pathways to reach the cells' origin. Unlike previous methods that targeted one nerve pathway at a time, this virus can reach multiple pathways simultaneously, offering a more comprehensive approach to treating spinal cord injuries. The researchers successfully used this virus to deliver instructions that modify a specific gene (PTEN) in multiple nerve cell populations, demonstrating the potential of this method for gene-based therapies after spinal cord injury.
rAAV-retro allows for targeted delivery of gene-modifying cargos to multiple spinal pathways simultaneously, which can enhance regeneration and functional recovery after SCI.
The study demonstrates the feasibility of using rAAV-retro in rats, paving the way for therapeutic development applicable to various species without prior genetic modifications.
The use of rAAV-retro in combination with intersectional genetics enables selective transduction of defined sets of neurons, facilitating studies of specific pathways and their functions after SCI.