Viral Vector-Based Modeling of Neurodegenerative Disorders: Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Gene therapy methods are increasingly used to model Parkinson's disease (PD) in animals in an effort to test experimental therapeutics within a more relevant context to disease pathophysiology and neuropathology. We have detailed several criteria that are critical or advantageous to accurately modeling PD in a murine model or in a nonhuman primate. Using these criteria, we then evaluate approaches made to model PD using viral vectors to date, including both adeno-associated viruses and lentiviruses. Lastly, we comment on the consideration of aging as a critical factor for modeling PD.

Keywords: Adeno-associated virus; Dopamine; Lentivirus; Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2; Lewy body; PTEN-induced putative kinase 1; Parkin; Parkinson’s disease; Striatum; Substantia nigra; Tyrosine hydroxylase; α-synuclein.