Objective

We generated an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector in which the human SLC2A1 gene was expressed under the synapsin I promoter (AAV-h SLC2A1 ) and examined if AAV-h SLC2A1 administration can lead to functional improvement in GLUT1 -deficient mice.

Methods

AAV-h SLC2A1 was injected into heterozygous knock-out murine Glut1 (GLUT1^+/−) mice intraperitoneally (systemic; 1.85 × 10¹¹ vg/mouse) or intra-cerebroventricularly (local; 1.85 × 10¹⁰ vg/mouse). We analyzed GLUT1 mRNA and protein expression, motor function using rota-rod and footprint tests, and blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels.

Results

Vector-derived RNA was detected in the cerebrum for both injection routes. In the intra-cerebroventricular injection group, exogenous GLUT1 protein was strongly expressed in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus near the injection site. In the intraperitoneal injection group, exogenous GLUT1 protein was mildly expressed in neural cells throughout the entire central nervous system. The motor function test and CSF/blood glucose ratio were significantly improved following intra-cerebroventricular injection.

Conclusions

AAV-h SLC2A1 administration produced exogenous GLUT1 in neural cells and improved CSF glucose levels and motor function of heterozygous knock-out murine Glut1 mice.