mOXT-HA-hM3D(Gq)-IRES-mCitrine AAV (Serotype 9)

mOXT-HA-hM3D(Gq)-IRES-mCitrine AAV (serotype 9) is an advanced viral vector designed for advanced research in neuroscience and gene therapy. At the heart of this adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector is the utilization of the mOXT promoter, which is essential for targeting specific gene expression within oxytocinergic neurons. This specificity enables precise manipulation and monitoring of neuronal activity associated with social behavior, stress, and mood regulation, which are often associated with the oxytocin system.

The addition of HA-hM3D(Gq) gives this vector unique capabilities. HA-hM3D(Gq) is a designer G protein-coupled receptor that is designed to be activated by clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), an otherwise inert ligand. The receptor is part of the "Designer Receptors Activated Exclusively by Designed Drugs" (DREADDs) technology, which allows researchers to modulate neural signaling pathways in a highly controllable manner. HA-hM3D(Gq) induces cellular excitation via the Gq signaling pathway upon CNO activation, enabling the study of specific neural circuits and their role in behavior and physiology. The bright yellow fluorescent protein mCitrine serves as a reporter gene to visualize and confirm successful transduction and expression in target cells.