Glycomic and Proteomic changes in aging brain nigrostriatal pathway

This study identifies the age related changes in glycan receptors of heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan (receptor for rAAV2), and/or N-glycans with terminal galactose (receptor for rAAV9) and proteomics for receptors and co-receptors of adeno-associated virus in the nigro-striatal region of the brain. We analyzed the striatum and substantia nigra for changes in HS, N-glycans and proteomic signatures in young versus aged rat brain nigro-striatum from histological sections. These studies provide insight into age- and brain region-specific changes in glycan receptors and proteomics that will inform design of improved viral vectors for Parkinson’s disease gene therapy.