Tryptophan hydroxylase-type 2 (Tph2) is the first rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. The ophthalmic administration (Op-Ad) is a non-invasive method that allows delivering genetic vehicles through the eye and reaches the brain. Here, the murine Tph2 gene was cloned in a non-viral vector (pIRES-hrGFP-1a), generating pIRES-hrGFP-1a-Tph2, plus the FLAG-tag. Recombinant Tph2-FLAG was detected and tested in vitro and in vivo, where 25 μg of pIRES-hrGFP-1a-Tph2-FLAG was Op-Ad to mice. The construct was capable of expressing and producing the recombinant Tph2-FLAG in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo assays showed that the construct efficiently crossed the Hemato-Ocular Barrier and the Blood-Brain Barrier, reached brain cells, passed the optical nerves, and transcribed mRNA-Tph2-FLAG in different brain areas. The recombinant Tph2-FLAG was observed in amygdala and brainstem, mainly in raphe dorsal and medial. Relative Tph2 expression of threefold over basal level was recorded three days after Op-Ad. These results demonstrated that pIRES-hrGFP-Tph2-FLAG, administrated through the eyes was capable of reaching the brain, transcribing, and translating Tph2. In conclusion, this study showed the feasibility of delivering therapeutic genes, such as the Tph2, the first enzyme, rate-limiting step in the 5-HT biosynthesis.
Keywords: Brainstem; Depression; Ophthalmic administration; Serotonin; Tph2 gene.