Research Models

Commonly Used Mouse Models

Name Genes Mutations Modification Disease Neuropathology Behavior/Cognition Visualization Promoter/Regulatory Elements Genetic Background Strain Name Other Phenotypes Availability Primary Paper
APP, PSEN1 APP K670_M671delinsNL (Swedish), PSEN1 M146V APP: Transgenic; PSEN1: Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease Robust early plaque development (by 3 months in homozygotes, 5 months in hemizygotes), predominantly congophilic dense-core amyloid plaques surrounded by dystrophic neurites and gliosis. Some diffuse plaques and cerebral amyloidosis. No tau tangles. Neurons have reduced dendritic length, surface area, and branches. Age-related learning and memory deficits, especially episodic memory, in select paradigm-specific tasks by 12 months. Yes Co-injection of transgenes into B6CBF1 oocytes, back-crossed to C57BL/6 B6;CB-Tg(Thy1-PSEN1*M146V/Thy1-APP*swe)10Arte Good breeding capabilities and no premature death. Taconic: Stock #16347 Willuweit et al., 2009
MAPT MAPT P301S MAPT: Transgenic Alzheimer's Disease, Frontotemporal Dementia, Other Tauopathy Age-dependent hyperphosphorylation of tau and conformational changes leading to neurofibrillary tanglelike pathology in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brain stem, and spinal cord. Neurodegeneration, especially in the spinal cord, accompanied by astrocytosis. Early motor impairment, including abnormal clasping and rotarod deficit at 4 months, with nearly complete deficit at 5 months. Deficits progress to severe paraparesis. Disinhibition and hyperactivity at 2 to 3 months. Yes CBAxC57BL/6 Thy1-hTau.P301S (CBA.C57BL/6) Muscle weakness, tremor. Frequent eye inflammation. Available for academic use from Michel Goedert and for commercial use from LifeArc. The CRO reMYND offers research services with this line. Allen et al., 2002