The delivery of recombinant genes into neurons is a critically important strategy for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying all brain functions, as well as for how these mechanisms go awry in brain disorders. A complementary and equally important strategy is delivery of inhibitory RNAs to eliminate or reduce specific brain proteins. Genetically engineered viruses provide powerful tools for introducing these constructs into brain cells. Indeed it is now possible, using a single virus particle, to both eliminate specific proteins and replace them with modified versions in specific subsets of cells in the brain. It is also possible, using viruses, to express proteins that will allow precise control over the electrical activity of individual nerve cells.
To facilitate the use of these state-of-the-art methodologies by Stanford neuroscientists, the Neuroscience Gene Vector and Virus Core centralizes the process of producing and distributing viral vectors and cDNA plasmids. This benefits SINTN’s overall mission by preventing the duplication of efforts by Stanford faculty and thus greatly increasing the efficiency of all of SINTN’s programs.
Description of Services
Provides virus production (e.g., AAV, lentiviruses, retroviruses, and others) and associated molecular biology (e.g., plasmid construction, plasmid production, PCR, Q-PCR, mutagenesis, and others) services.
Viruses Produced
- Adeno-associated viruses
- Lentiviruses
- Retroviruses
- Others available upon request
Other Services
We can provide a wide range of services in the areas of virology, molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Examples include:
- Plasmid construction
- Plasmid production
- Mutagenesis
- Q-PCR and RT Q-PCR
- Infectious titer assays
- Transient transfections
- Stable cell line construction
Many other services are available by request.
Selected References
The neurexin ligands, neuroligins and leucine-rich repeat transmembrane proteins, perform convergent and divergent synaptic functions in vivo. Soler-Llavina GJ, Fuccillo MV, Ko J, Südhof TC, Malenka RC. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2011 Sep 27. [Epub ahead of print] PubMedID: 21953696: PMCID: PMC3189075
Neuroligins/LRRTMs prevent activity- and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent synapse elimination in cultured neurons. Ko J, Soler-Llavina GJ, Fuccillo MV, Malenka RC, Südhof TC. J Cell Biol. 2011 Jul 25;194(2):323-34. PubMedID: 21788371; PMCID: PMC3144410
A calcineurin/AKAP complex is required for NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression. Jurado S, Biou V, Malenka RC. Nat Neurosci. 2010 Sep;13(9):1053-5. Epub 2010 Aug 8. PubMedID: 20694001; PMCID: PMC2943866
