The field of genetic engineering has witnessed groundbreaking advancements, and one key player in this arena is the Adeno-associated Virus (AAV). Its versatile nature and ability to serve as a powerful vector for gene delivery have spurred innovations in optimizing codons for efficient gene expression.
Codon optimization involves strategically redefining the sequence of nucleotide triplets in a gene without altering the encoded amino acids. In the context of AAV, this fine-tuning of genetic code opens the door to enhanced gene expression levels. The natural genetic code is optimized for the needs of the host organism, often leaving room for improvement when transplanted into a different species. AAV codon optimization, therefore, tailors the genetic instructions to better match the host’s cellular machinery. This optimization minimizes codon usage biases and maximizes translational efficiency, resulting in elevated and sustained expression of the gene of interest.