Research Tools for Parkinson’s Disease
Vector Name | Description |
---|---|
aSyn Knockdown Viral Vectors | |
AAV1/2-CAG-Human-SNCA-3xmiR/GFP-WPRE-BGH-polyA | Viral vector encoding GFP and 3xmiR that targets wild-type human aSyn as well as common pathogenic mutants (A53T, A30P, E46K). |
AAV1/2-CAG-Mouse-SNCA-3xmiR/GFP-WPRE-BGH-polyA | Viral vector encoding GFP and 3xmiR that targets wild-type mouse aSyn as well as common pathogenic mutants (A53T, A30P, E46K). |
AAV1/2-CAG-Scrambled-Control-3xSCRmiR/GFP-WPRE-BGH-polyA | Scrambled control generated in parallel to above two vectors to use as a control for aSyn knockdown experiments. |
aSyn Overexpression Viral Vectors | |
AAV1/2-CMV/CBA-human-A53T-alpha-synuclein-WPRE-BGH-polyA | Viral vector encoding the human A53T mutation of alpha-synuclein (linked to familial forms of Parkinson’s Disease). |
AAV1/2-CMV/CBA-Null/Empty-WPRE-BGH-polyA | Empty vector control generated in parallel to the above viral vector to use as a control. |
Click on a vector name to go to the product page for more information. You can also see the FAQ section at the bottom of this page for citations and validation data.
The MJFF Preclinical Research Tools Program
To aid Parkinson’s research and accelerate the development of effective therapies, MJFF invests in the generation and availability of tools for Parkinson’s disease investigators. MJFF has a multi-faceted approach to developing these research tools. MJFF identifies critical needs through discussions with key scientific experts, generates tools through partnerships with leading experts and companies, evaluates these resources for quality control, and distributes the tools broadly through vendors and partner organizations.
MJFF Parkinson’s Disease Tools Advantages

For more information, please visit MJFF's Research Tools page.
How is Alpha-synuclein Related to Parkinson’s Disease?
Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is a protein whose function in the healthy brain is currently not well understood. However, aSyn is of great interest to Parkinson's researchers because it is a major component of Lewy bodies, which are protein clumps that are the pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease. There is compelling evidence from recent studies that aSyn may play a role in the development of both familial (rare) and sporadic (more common) cases of Parkinson’s disease. Currently, various companies are investigating the therapeutic potential of targeting alpha-synuclein to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Featured Resources
Viral Delivery Guide
Our Viral Delivery Guide will help you choose which virus will work best for your specific applications.
AAV Protocols
These protocols provide suggested guidelines for using AAV for in vitro and in vivo experiments.
FAQ
Where can I find more information about these Parkinson’s Disease tools?
There are currently no publications for the alpha-synuclein knockdown viral vectors, so please refer to the alpha-synuclein knockdown validation data sheet. There have been a number of publications using the A53T alpha-synuclein overexpression viral vectors. Please note the viral vectors we sell do not belong to the same lot as those published; however, all of our viral vectors have been validated (A53T alpha-synuclein validation data sheet).
Is AAV safe to use?
Yes. All of our AAV Parkinson’s disease tools are replication-incompetent and can be handled safely in a BSL-1 facility.