Dopamine2 Specific Promoter

Researchers in Prof. Karl Diesseroth's laboratory have discovered a Dopamine receptor type 2 specific promoter (D2SP) that can be used to transfect, identify and isolate Dopamine R2 (D2R)-expressing cells. Because the promoter is highly specific (98.2%) and penetrant (86.8%), it could be used to drive expression of genes in DR2 cells in vitro or in vivo. Potential applications include enriching for D2R-expressing cells through cell sorting techniques and enabling tissue specific expression of optogenetic constructs or gene therapy vectors. Ultimately, this promoter could enhance research and treatment of a wide range of conditions, particularly neuropsychiatric disorders.

Stage of Research
The inventors have used the promoter to drive expression in rat striatal primary neurons and demonstrated its specificity and penetrance.