Fluorescence Microscopy in Adeno-Associated Virus Research

• Published in: Viruses Vol. 15; no. 5; p. 1174
• Main Authors: Golm, Susanne K, Hübner, Wolfgang, Müller, Kristian M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 16.05.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: AAV; AAV labeling; adeno-associated virus; Adenoviruses; Dependovirus - genetics; Dependovirus - metabolism; Dependoviruses; DNA labeling; Fluorescence microscopy; Fluorophores; Genes; Genetic Vectors; Genomes; Health aspects; Heparan sulfate; Labeling; laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM); Localization; Methods; Microscopes; Microscopy; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Proteins; Review; Virus research; Viruses; Viruses - genetics; Germany; adeno-associated virus; microscopy; DNA labeling; laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM); AAV; AAV labeling
• ISSN: 1999-4915; 1999-4915
• DOI: 10.3390/v15051174

Research on adeno-associated virus (AAV) and its recombinant vectors as well as on fluorescence microscopy imaging is rapidly progressing driven by clinical applications and new technologies, respectively. The topics converge, since high and super-resolution microscopes facilitate the study of spatial and temporal aspects of cellular virus biology. Labeling methods also evolve and diversify. We review these interdisciplinary developments and provide information on the technologies used and the biological knowledge gained. The emphasis lies on the visualization of AAV proteins by chemical fluorophores, protein fusions and antibodies as well as on methods for the detection of adeno-associated viral DNA. We add a short overview of fluorescent microscope techniques and their advantages and challenges in detecting AAV.