Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience Towards Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders Edited by P. R. Lowenstein University of Manchester, UK and L. W. Enquist Princeton University, USA The brain and the cells that compose it have always presented unique barriers to any kind of outside interventions, including drug delivery, surgical procedures and the genetic manipulation of cells. However, these barriers are now being bypassed by the new technology of gene delivery. Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience is the first practical guide to gene delivery, providing over 150 easy to follow, step-by-step protocols, together with troubleshooting hints and the theoretical background needed for neuroscientists to understand, adapt and expand the technology as needed. Written by a team of international expert neuroscientists, geneticists, molecular biologists and biochemists, Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience describes the latest techniques from the top gene-delivery labs, ranging from physical transfection techniques, through the use of a wide range of viral vectors, to retrovirally transduced cell and bone marrow transplantation. Several variations of a single protocol are given, thus demonstrating how different labs have solved a common problem in different ways. The protocols are also indexed and cross-referenced so that an investigator can find all the details required for a particular problem.

Biology is the study of living things. The classical approach might be described as holistic and descriptive, whereas the modern molecular - proach aims to be investigative, reductionist, and mechanistic . Genes contain all the information for the structure of all living things ; thus, the understanding of how genes are regulated is an important step toward understanding the nature of living things. The study of gene regulation has been made more tractable by the design of simple expe- mental models in which a single gene can be isolated from the milieu of the organism. The new science of molecular biology has introduced techniques that permit the design of such experimental models. In - sence, the genome of the organism is dissected in such a manner that specific genes may now be introduced into an appropriate cell line . Subsequent analysis of the proteins expressed from the genes under study results in the identification of the regulatory DNA sequences .

This volume provides a clear and detailed roadmap of how to design and execute a gene therapy experiment in order to obtain consistent results. Chapters in this book disseminate bits of unknown information that are important to consider during the course of experimentation and will answer questions such as: What delivery vehicle do you use?; How will you ensure that your vector retains stability?; What expression system best fits your needs?; What route will you choose to deliver your gene therapy agent?; How will you model the neurodegenerative disorder that you aim to investigate and what are the proven methods to treat these disorders in preclinical models? Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and thorough, Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders: Methods and Protocols, is a compilation of protocols and instructive chapters intended to give researchers, clinicians, and students of all levels, a foundation upon which future gene therapy experiments can be designed.

Gene transfer technology is a powerful tool for increasing our understandingof brain functions. It is also the basis of gene therapy, which is now technically possible for the correction of many human diseases, including several disorders of the nervous (and muscular) system such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dystrophy. This volume,which contains the proceedings of a symposium of the Fondation Ipsen, provides a unique view of the state of the art on different transgenes, vectors, target cells, and clinical applications related to the nervous system.

Few areas of biomedical research provide greater opportunities to capitalize upon the revolution in genomics and molecular biology than gene therapy. This is particularly true for the brain and nervous system, where gene transfer has become a key technology for basic research and has recently been translated to human therapy in several landmark clinical trials. Gene Therapy in the Brain: From Bench to Bedside represents the definitive volume on this subject. Edited by two pioneers of neurological gene therapy, this volume contains contributions by leaders who helped to create the field as well as those who are expanding the promise of gene therapy for the future of basic and clinical neuroscience. Drawing upon this extensive collective experience, this book provides clear and informative reviews on a variety of subjects which would be of interest to anyone who is currently using or contemplating exploring gene therapy for neurobiological applications. Basic gene transfer technologies are discussed, with particular emphases upon novel vehicles, immunological issues and the role of gene therapy in stem cells. Numerous research applications are reviewed, particularly in complex fields such as behavioral neurobiology. Several preclinical areas are also covered which are likely to translate into clinical studies in the near future, including epilepsy, pain and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Among the most exciting advances in recent years has been the use of neurological gene therapy in human clinical trials, including Parkinson's disease, Canavan disease and Batten disease. Finally, readers will find "insider" information on technological and regulatory issues which can often limit effective translation of even the most promising idea into clinical use. This work provides up-to-date information and key insights into those gene therapy issues which are important to both scientists and clinicians focusing upon the brain and central nervous system.

Neuroscience Perspectives provides multidisciplinary reviews of topics in one of the most diverse and rapidly advancing fields in the life sciences. Whether you are a new recruit to neuroscience, or an established expert, look to this series for 'one-stop' sources of the historical, physiological, pharmacological, biochemical, molecular biological and therapeutic aspects of chosen research areas. The recent development of Gene Therapy procedures which allow specific genes to be delivered to human patients who lack functional copies of them is of major therapeutic importance. In addition such gene delivery methods can be used in other organisms to define the function of particular genes. These studies are of particular interest in the nervous system where there are many incurable diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases which may benefit from therapies of this kind. Unfortunately gene delivery methods for use in the nervous system have lagged behind those in other systems due to the fact that the methods developed in other systems are often not applicable to cells like neurons which do not divide. This book discusses a wide range of methods which have now been developed to overcome these problems and allow safe and efficient delivery of particular genes to the brain. Methods discussed include virological methods, physical methods (such as liposomes) and the transplantation of genetically modified cells. In a single volume therefore this book provides a complete view of these methods and indicates how they can be applied to the development of therapies for treating previously incurable neurological disorders.

In the first volume, readers will find a comprehensive resource of current and emerging methods for the production of viral and non-viral gene transfer vectors, as well as detailed protocols for critical applications in stem cell biology, cancer, diabetes, HIV and tissue engineering. In the second volume, readers will find a comprehensive resource of current and emerging methods for the processing and characterization of viral and non-viral gene transfer vectors, as well as promising approaches to design vectors for efficient, targeted and regulated gene delivery and expression.