Pre-Clinical Research Models

Targeting Pathogenic Mechanisms, Pathogenic Mechanisms

Research models for PD provide essential systems in which PD pathology can be studied and potential therapeutics can be tested. Models of PD can represent a single symptom, pathological process, or genetic abnormality, and can also embody more complex representations that come closer to the presentation of the disease in humans.  There are two main methods for generating research models: genetic manipulation and pharmacological approaches.

Reference: 
Meredith GE, Sonsalla PK, Chesselet MF. Animal models of Parkinson's disease progression. Acta Neuropathol. 2008;115(4):385-98.
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Bové J, Prou D, Perier C, Przedborski S. Toxin-induced models of Parkinson's disease. NeuroRx : the journal of the American Society for Experimental NeuroTherapeutics. 2005;2(3):484-94.
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Responses:
First published Lrrk2 mutation mouse model of PD: Q&A with Dr. Chenjian Li
Chenjian Li, Cornell, et al.
7 Jun 2009 01:01 PM EST
A discussion of the new BAC Lrrk2 mouse model developed by Dr. Chenjian Li and colleagues, published today in Nature Neuroscience.  Dr. Kirsten Carlson of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which ... 
Q&A - Novel Method to Create Knock-out Rats
Edward Weinstein, et al.
23 Jul 2009 02:19 PM EST
Dr. Kirsten Carlson of MJFF interviews Dr. Edward Weinstein, Director of Sigma Transgenic Research Center for the latest on cutting edge work to create knockout rat models using Zinc Finger Nuclease ... 
Responses: 2
An approach for new and more powerful models of neurological disease
M. Paul Murphy
23 Jul 2009 02:23 PM EST
Geurts et al. have developed a truly significant piece of technology. Until now, genetically modified rats have been few and far between. This is a shame, since there are many areas of research ... 
An intriguing advance in modeling neurodegeneration
Mark Cookson, NIH
23 Jul 2009 04:39 PM EST
As outlined in the Q+A and in Paul Murphy’s response, this really is an intriguing step forward in the attempt to model neurodegeneration in laboratory animals.  I think it’s been ... 
Contributions:
Anti-depressants and hippocampal cell genesis in PD
MEMBERS' OPEN FORUM: for rapid-fire posting of your questions and comments.
Dennis Steindler, UFL
02 Mar 2010
A recently published study by Suzuki et al. (Feburary 2010) reports a loss of hippocampal cell proliferation in the adult rat following midbrain 6-OHDA lesions.  Furthermore, the authors ... 
For pre-clinical PD models why not look for neuro-protection in pre-clinical pre-motor PD brain regions?
What are the best methods for testing the efficacy of novel neuroprotective therapeutics in pre-clinical models?
Veronica Miller, Wadsworth
24 Feb 2010
There are an abundence of emerging pathological and imaging studies from patients with Lewy Body diseases which strongly suggest that non-dopaminergic neurons are dysfunctional at early ... 
Validating PD targets: FK506 binding proteins
POWs: Papers of the Week
Mark Frasier, MJFF
22 Feb 2010
Digging through the POWs, I found this interesting paper from Veerle Baekelandt's group describing the role of FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs) in alpha-synuclein accumulation and alpha-synuclein ... 
Responses: 1
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Research Questions:
Which behavioral outcomes are relevant in rodent models of dyskinesia?
11 Mar 2010
The development of rodent models of LID has improved our ability to conduct studies into the molecular mechanisms of LID as well as to screen new therapeutic strategies. However, it is much harder to ... 
What are the best methods for testing the efficacy of novel neuroprotective therapeutics in pre-clinical models?
24 Feb 2010
An important step in moving novel neuroprotective agents towards the clinic involves testing the efficacy of therapeutics in preclinical models.  Many different preclinical models are available ... 
Responses: 15
What are the benefits to sharing a pre-clinical research model, other than scientific collaboration?
15 Jul 2009
Widespread availability of critical research tools is necessary for rapid progress in PD research. Researchers may find, however, that the process for doing so can be time-consuming. Distribution of ... 
Responses: 5
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Grant Opportunities:
Mouse Models Containing Human Alleles: Novel Tools to Study Brain Function (R21/R33)
30 Jun 2009
This Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), issued by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) with participation from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the National Institute on Alcohol ... 
Genetic Screens to Enhance Zebrafish Research (R01)
30 Jun 2009
This FOA encourages investigator-initiated applications designed to exploit the power of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model for biomedical and behavioral research.  Applications proposing to ... 
Enhancing Zebrafish Research with Research Tools and Techniques (R01)
30 Jun 2009
This FOA encourages investigator-initiated applications to develop new, high-priority research tools or techniques of high priority to the zebrafish community that will help exploit the power of the ... 
News:
New PD models available through MJFF-Jackson Labs partnership
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is expanding its efforts through a partnership with The Jackson Laboratory to make pre-clinical models more widely available to the research community. It is essential ... 
01 Feb 2010
Responses: 1
Prize4Life Marks One-Year Anniversary of Avi Kremer ALS Treatment Prize
Prize, Named for Israeli Entrepreneur, Seeks Treatments for Lou Gehrig’s Disease ... 
13 Oct 2009
NIH Issues Request for Information: Phenotyping Knockout Mice
The purpose of this RFI is to seek input and feedback from the scientific community in order to inform and guide future large-scale phenotyping of knockout mice. Specifically, the NIH is seeking ... 
24 Sep 2009
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Workgroups:
Genetic Models of Parkinson's Disease Group
10 Jun 2009
This group aims to promote interactions, collaborations and the exchange of ideas of those members interested in developing or characterizing genetic disease models, particularly mouse models. ...