Figure 5.

Generating AAV-encoding Alk5^CA to activate TGF-β signaling in dopaminergic neurons. A, Schematic structure of AAV-encoding Alk5^CA and GFP (termed AAV-Alk5^CA). In addition, AAV-GFP was generated as a control (data not shown). B–D, AAV-Alk5^CA or AAV-GFP was injected into the substantia nigra of wild-type mice, and 2 weeks later the mice were killed and analyzed for GFP expression (B, D) and TGF-β signaling (C). The substantia nigra is outlined in B and C, with insets in C showing higher magnification. Dopaminergic neurons were immunolabeled with an antibody against TH (red), and the reporter gene (GFP, green) and Alk5^CA expressing cells appear yellow after superimposition (D). Scale bars: B, C, 50 μm; D, 20 μm.