Rat Model for Alzheimer's Disease

The present invention is directed to a transgenic rat model of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) termed TgF344-19+/-. The invention rat overexpresses two human genes (APPswe and PS1deltaE9 genes), each of which are believed to be independent dominant causes of early-onset AD. The hemizygote exhibits major features of AD pathology (i.e., dense and diffuse amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, hyperphosphorylated tau, paired-helical filaments, Hirano bodies, granulovacuolar degeneration, cognitive impairment, and cortical neuronal loss).

The invention rat is superior to AD mice models because the rat has a larger sized brain to accommodate in vivo imaging studies and complex behavioral testing. Further, the invention rat has a longer life span so that studies of longer duration or studies involving serial sampling can be conducted. The invention rat can be used to evaluate potential treatments for AD and to further investigate AD physiology.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
In vivo validation of AD therapeutics Development and validation of imaging methods to diagnose AD Detailed investigation of AD pathology and physiology		Rat model in contrast to available mice models Rat model based on over-expression of genes responsible for early onset AD

Development Stage:

• Prototype
• In vivo data available (animal)

Inventors:

Robert Cohen (NIMH)  ➽ more inventions...

Daniel Ye (NIMH)  ➽ more inventions...


Intellectual Property:
Research Tool – Patent protection is not being pursued for this technology.

Publications:
Borchelt DR, et al. PMID 8938131
Cohen RM, et al. PMID 23575824

Licensing Contact:
Jennifer Wong, M.S.
Email: jennifer.wong2@nih.gov
Phone: 301-480-4821

OTT Reference No: E-211-2012-0
Updated: Feb 7, 2018