GFP Adeno-Associated Virus ( AAV-GARPS )

The AAV genome is flanked by inverted terminal repeats (ITRs), which are essential for packaging, replication, and integration into the host genome. The ITRs are the only essential cis-acting elements in the AAV genome, enabling the integration of different transgenes between the ITRs, which can then be packaged into the AAV capsid to generate recombinant AAV vectors (rAAV). Recombinant AAV can be generated by transfecting plasmids containing the ITR-flanked transgene, the AAV capsid gene, and necessary accessory genes, followed by harvesting the transfected cells and purifying the virus. The use of rAAV in gene therapy has rapidly evolved over the past decade. During this time, rAAV technology has been significantly improved with the goal of increasing gene transfer efficiency, altering tropism, and/or reducing antigenicity. Structural studies of the AAV capsid combined with rational mutagenesis and combinatorial protein engineering strategies coupled with directed evolution have resulted in several laboratory-derived AAV strains.

Green fluorescent protein adeno-associated virus (GFP AAV-GARPS) is a cutting-edge tool in the field of gene therapy and biomedical research designed to provide robust and specific gene delivery capabilities. The reporter AAV has a modified capsid derived from adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2). The modification involves the insertion of a specific peptide sequence, GARPSEVTTRPG, at position I588 of the AAV2 capsid. This modification enables GFP AAV-GARPS to target cardiomyocytes with greater precision, paving the way for breakthrough advances in cardiovascular research and treatment.