title: Application of adeno-associated viral vectors in behavioral research.
abstract: Viral vectors afford the capability of genetically manipulating the expression of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, hormones, and their receptors in specific brain sites of adult animals of any species. Hence, they are a powerful tool for investigating the neurochemistry underlying complex cognitive processes and behaviors. Here we discuss how the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) can be engineered for use in neurobehavioral studies, techniques for site-specific delivery of vector into the brain, characterization of expression profiles, and biosafety issues. Finally, we discuss issues of experimental design and interpretation of behavioral results in viral vector studies.
authors.affiliation: Center for Behavioral Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, 954 Gatewood Drive,Yerkes Research Centre, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Hemanth P
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: Larry J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Young
mesh_terms: D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001921:Brain / Q000821:virology*; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000235:genetics; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics*; D013238:Stereotaxic Techniques
chemical_list: D004274:DNA, Recombinant