I would like to express ChR2 (or similar) in ChAT expressing interneurons. I am aware that some viruses can target specific cell types, but right now I do not know where to start looking. From what I understand, the dflox promotor is used to limit expression to cre+ cells, would there be an analogue for the cells I am interested in that does not rely on cre?
A quick google search reveals this: https://www.abmgood.com/ChAT-AAV-Adeno-Associated-Virus-AAV0156069.html
I've no experience with ABM so can't vouch for the reliability of the vector, but should meet your needs. You would need to insert the ChR2 DNA into the vector yourself, but you could get an appropriate plasmid from Addgene so it's a fairly simple restriction digest and ligation. You would then need to order a custom AAV prep, which probably won't be cheap (UNC Vector Core can do it for around $2200), but in principle, this should give what you're looking for.
Thank you, that is very helpful! It does appear somewhat more arduous than I would have hoped (my colleague for example uses an "off-the-shelf" CAMKII targeting virus), but it is good to know that the option is there, and how to actually search for it.
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