Three-Recombinase-Dependent Viral Expression for Increased Neuron Specificity

Stanford researchers have discovered a method (Triplesect) to express molecular payloads using three-recombinase-dependent viral expression. Triplesect restricts functional expression of molecular tools such as optogenetic tools, CRISPR or therapeutic genes to pre-defined cellular subpopulations. The targeting resolution of this method is achieved through a multiply-engineered approach utilizing Boolean logic to identify targeted neurons or other cells. For example, neurons expressing gene A AND gene B AND gene C, but no other combination are targeted. As a result, this additional recombinase allows researchers to have increased specificity in targeting restricted neuron subpopulations. Additionally, Triplesect's viral delivery mechanism saves 30x the cost per genetic payload when comparing a typical viral batch to a new transgenic mouse.

Stage of Research