Optimization of production and transgene expression of a retrogradely transported pseudotyped lentiviral vector.

•Use of polyethylenimine for 293 T transfection improves consistency of viral titers.•The hSyn promoter is more effective in medium spiny neurons compared to CMV.•Lentivirus can be used to transduce a few thousand striatonigral neurons•qRT PCR can be performed by miRNA immunoprecipitation to quantify abundant miRNA.