Differences in Gene Delivery to Neurons in the Hippocampus
Author Information
Author(s): Lenneke WA van Hooijdonk, Muhammad Ichwan, Thomas F Dijkmans, Theo G Schouten, Marijke WA de Backer, Roger AH Adan, Fons J Verbeek, Erno Vreugdenhil, Carlos P Fitzsimons
Primary Institution: Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
The study aims to characterize the cell types effectively transduced in vivo by lentivirus-based vectors in the hippocampus dentate gyrus.
Conclusion
Lentiviral vectors primarily target neuronal progenitor cells and immature neurons in the hippocampus, while mature neurons do not express lentivirus-delivered transgenes.
Supporting Evidence
- Lentiviral vectors were shown to effectively transduce neuronal progenitor cells and immature neurons.
- Mature neurons in the granule cell layer did not express lentivirus-delivered transgenes.
- Different promoters influenced the spatial distribution of EGFP+ cells in the hippocampus.
- Transgene expression was primarily observed in the subgranular zone and inner layers of the granule cell layer.
Takeaway
The study found that only young neurons in the brain can take in a special virus that helps deliver genes, while older neurons can't.
Methodology
The study used stereotaxic injections of lentiviral vectors into the mouse hippocampus and analyzed gene expression one and five weeks post-injection.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in the selection of cell types analyzed and the specific promoters used for gene expression.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific cell types and may not generalize to all neuronal populations in the hippocampus.
Participant Demographics
Male C57Bl/6J mice, seven weeks old at injection.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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