Next-generation enhancer AAVs for selective interspecies targeting of midbrain dopaminergic neurons

Abstract

Using single-nucleus multiomic profiling of the marmoset midbrain, we develop and benchmark enhancer-AAVs to selectively access dopamine (DA) neurons in wild-type animals without combinatorial systems. In vivo candidate screenings identified one highly specific DA enhancer, cjDAE8, in both mice and marmosets. To overcome low-level off-target (leaky) expression, a common limitation for enhancer AAVs, we engineered next-generation AAV backbones that strengthen expression while minimizing leakiness. Quantitative histology comparing natural versus antibody-amplified fluorescence defined AAV doses to achieve high labeling efficiency with greater than 90-95% DA-neuron specificity across species and injection routes. We further demonstrate applications of DA-enhancer-AAVs for (i) retrograde targeting of projection-defined DA populations in marmoset, (ii) fiber-photometric recording of divergent DA-axonal dynamics in striatal subregions, and (iii) optogenetic VTA-DA self-stimulation in mice. Our results establish a resource for cross-species DA targeting and two practical guidelines: backbone context critically shapes enhancer performance, and antibody-amplified readouts rigorously assess specificity.