This index catalogs animal models and experimental model systems used in neurodegenerative disease research. These models are essential for understanding disease mechanisms, testing therapeutic interventions, and translating findings from basic science to clinical applications.
Model systems span multiple species from invertebrates (C. elegans, Drosophila) to mammals (mice, rats, non-human primates), each offering distinct advantages for studying specific aspects of neurodegeneration.
The 5xFAD model expresses five familial AD mutations (3 APP + 2 PSEN1), producing aggressive amyloid-beta pathology from 2 months of age.
The APP/PS1 model expresses mutant APP (Swedish) and PSEN1 (M146L), producing amyloid plaques from 6 months.
Cerebral organoids are 3D brain tissue cultures derived from stem cells, providing human models for AD and PD.
The 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model replicates selective dopaminergic degeneration via oxidative stress.
MPTP is a neurotoxin that selectively destroys dopaminergic neurons via mitochondrial complex I inhibition.
Transgenic models expressing mutant alpha-synuclein (A53T, A30P) recapitulate Lewy body formation.
A53T Alpha-Synuclein Transgenic Mouse Model
A30P Alpha-Synuclein Transgenic Mouse Model
The PFF model uses synthetic preformed fibrils to induce endogenous α-synuclein aggregation.
LRRK2 transgenic models express the G2019S mutation, the most common familial PD variant.
LRRK2 G2019S Transgenic Mouse Model
MitoPark uses tissue-specific Parkin deletion to model mitochondrial dysfunction in PD.
Rotenone is a complex I inhibitor that reproduces mitochondrial dysfunction and α-synuclein pathology.
Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons provide patient-specific disease modeling.
| Model | Disease | Species | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5xFAD | Alzheimer's | Mouse | Amyloid, immunotherapy |
| APP/PS1 | Alzheimer's | Mouse | Amyloid, biomarkers |
| Cerebral Organoid | AD/PD | Human | 3D modeling, drug testing |
| 6-OHDA Rat | Parkinson's | Rat | Motor deficits, cell therapy |
| MPTP Mouse | Parkinson's | Mouse | Neuroprotection |
| A53T α-Syn | Parkinson's | Mouse | Aggregation |
| A30P α-Syn | Parkinson's | Mouse | Aggregation |
| α-Syn PFF | Parkinson's | Mouse | Prion-like propagation |
| LRRK2 G2019S | Parkinson's | Mouse | Kinase inhibitors |
| AAV-LRRK2 | Parkinson's | Mouse | Gene delivery |
| MitoPark | Parkinson's | Mouse | Mitochondrial |
| Rotenone | Parkinson's | Rat | Mitochondrial |
| iPSC DA Neurons | Parkinson's | Human | Drug screening |
Total: 13 model pages