A Mouse Model to Visualize Motor Neurons

NU 2012-053

Inventor

Pembe Hande Ozlinder

Abstract

Northwestern researchers have developed a novel mice model that enables the visualization of both corticospinal and spinal motor neurons. In addition to enabling the in vivo visualization of these neurons at different stages of motor neuron disorders, this method also provides the capability to isolate them as well for in vitro studies. Both capabilities are important as they allow for drug discovery using pure motor neuron cultures, improved understanding of cellular mechanisms that direct differentiation of motor neurons, and the identification of molecular factors that initiate neuron vulnerability in diseases. As a consequence, an assortment of new mouse models can now be generated to study motor neuron health in various diseases. Importantly, Northwestern researchers have already successfully crossed this reporter mouse line with the mouse model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The crossed lines enable the study of the neurodegenerative process in ALS in vivo.

Applications

• In vivo visualization of motor neurons
• Isolation of pure motor neuron populations
• Generation of disease animal models to study motor neuron degeneration
• Identification of small molecules and drugs which mediate motor neuron survival

Advantages

• Use of pure native neurons for in vitro studies
• Ability to follow neuronal changes in animal studies that exhibit various diseases