Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is a maternally inherited disorder caused by homoplasmic mutations of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). LHON is characterized by the selective degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Almost all LHON maternal lineages are homoplasmic mutant (100% mtDNA copies are mutant) for one of three frequent mtDNA mutations now found in over 90% of patients worldwide (m.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFStem cell-derived neurons are generally obtained in mass cultures that lack both spatial organization and any meaningful connectivity. We implement a microfluidic system for long-term culture of human neurons with patterned projections and synaptic terminals. Co-culture of human midbrain dopaminergic and striatal medium spiny neurons on the microchip establishes an orchestrated nigro-striatal circuitry with functional dopaminergic synapses.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe lack of technology for direct global-scale targeting of the adult mouse nervous system has hindered research on brain processing and dysfunctions. Currently, gene transfer is normally achieved by intraparenchymal viral injections, but these injections target a restricted brain area. Herein, we demonstrated that intravenous delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-PHP.
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