This image reveals mature post-mitotic forebrain neurons forming interconnected networks. Golden axons and dendrites branch outward in intricate patterns essential for transmitting electrical and chemical signals — a reminder that “nothing shines brighter than neurons of gold,” symbolizing the brilliance of neural activity.

Cyan-labeled cells indicate neurons transduced with a recombinant AAV delivering a hypercompact adenine base editor (ABE) designed to correct disease-causing C-to-T mutations in the MECP2 gene associated with Rett syndrome. Red nuclei mark the genomic DNA — the editing target — illustrating the delivery of gene-editing machinery to its intended site.

Captured by confocal microscopy, this work evaluates off-target editing in a human induced neuron model, advancing a single–rAAV gene-editing platform aimed at treating Rett Syndrome and other monogenic neurological disorders.