Objective: To examine whether tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) genes can be cotransduced into the same target striatal cells using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, and to determine whether the cotransduction would result in better biochemical change than the TH gene alone.
Methods: TH and AADC genes were cotransduced into cultured striatal cells with separate AAV vectors. Expressions of TH and AADC were detected by immunocytochemistry; intracellular catecholamine levels were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: TH and AADC genes were efficiently cotransduced into the striatal cells. Specifically, the coexpression of TH and AADC resulted in more effective dopamine production compared with the TH gene alone.
Conclusion: Using AAV vectors, coexpression of TH and AADC in the striatal cells might be a useful approach to gene therapy for Parkinson's disease.