Parkinson's disease mouse model resource
The Parkinson's disease mouse model resource is funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation to provide genetically engineered mice and information useful for their selection and use.
The repository distributes Parkinson’s disease models that are useful for the study of the basic pathophysiology of PD, and for testing new therapies.
Research is carried out within the repository to further characterize selected transgenic models. The resource also serves as an archive of genetically stable mouse models.
JAX® Mice useful to study Parkinson’s disease
- Park2 strains
- LRRK2 strains
- Synuclein mutants
- Strains susceptible to MPTP treatment
- Strains resistant to MPTP treatment
- Strains expressing cre
- All PD models
- Parkinson's disease JAX® mice models (.pdf)
Projects are ongoing to characterize LRRK2 transgenic strains, including a new set developed specifically for MJFF that will be distributed by JAX. Unlike most PD models developed to date, these will be available to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for use to develop and test potential therapies. The MJFF-funded “pdonlineresearch.org” website has a research models page listing and linking to JAX PD models.
Also available are "research tool" strains including transgenics that express marker genes in affected brain regions, and strains with systems for regulating gene expression (e.g. Cre recombinase and tet-inducible promoters) in specific types of neurons.
Dr. Michael Sasner, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Connecticut and has been at The Jackson Laboratory since 1998, serves as a resource for scientists seeking information about existing models and will oversee the selection, importation, and distribution of new models. Dr. Sasner also coordinates the Alzheimer's disease mouse model resource. If you have questions or suggestions for potential new strains for the Parkinson's Disease Mouse Model Repository, please contact Dr. Michael Sasner.
