Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – DMD Mouse Model (mdx mouse)
Perform behavioral research studies to investigate your novel and innovative targeted Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy therapies using the DMD mouse model
DMD Mouse Model Key Characteristics:
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive skeletal muscle weakening and wasting. To test the efficacy of novel therapies or disease-modifying treatments for DMD, multiple research models can be used. Out of these, the most commonly used is the mdx (B10. mdx) mouse model. The mdx mouse model closely recapitulates the human DMD pathophysiological characteristics due to an X-linked mutation in the gene that encodes dystrophin in the skeletal muscle membrane.
Mdx mice show progressive cycles of skeletal muscle degeneration and regeneration that mimic human course of DMD, starting at approximately three weeks of age. As part of its preclinical research services, InnoSer performs efficacy studies in the mdx mouse model, focusing on functional readouts (skeletal muscle strength, motor function) as well as histopathology analyses (e.g., WGA, Sirius red, H&E) of skeletal muscle (regeneration, necrosis, hypertrophy).
✓ The mdx mutation results in a termination codon of the dystrophin muscular dystrophy (Dmd) gene on the X chromosome.
✓ Mdx mice show robust muscle function impairments at a young age and display cognitive impairments under specific conditions (Remmelink et al. 2016; Engelbeen et al. 2021).
Take advantage of InnoSer’s expertise, flexibility, and collaborative approach for your research. Our in-house neurology experts have long-standing experience with performing preclinical behavioural research services in in vivo models and help guide your decision on choosing the best model fit for your current research goals.
InnoSer’s neurology expert team possesses relevant experience in working with multiple therapy types ranging from small molecules, peptides, enzymes, oligonucleotides, gene therapy (viral vectors – e.g.. AAVs) and immunotherapies (antibody/vaccine immunotherapies).
Ihre neurologische Forschung beginnt hier.
Wählen Sie mit Zuversicht das richtige Modell für Ihre Forschung aus
DMD Mouse Model Sample Data

Body weight progression over time
MDX mice (B10.mdx) show normal body weight progression over span of 7 weeks which is comparable to healthy controls.

Body weight progression over time
MDX mice (B10.mdx) show normal body weight progression over span of 7 weeks which is comparable to healthy controls.

Open field test reveals significant locomotor deficits in mdx mice, serving as an additional readout of locomotion and general muscle function alongside commonly used readouts to assess muscle strength (i.e., grip strength, weight lift tests).
Compared to WT mice, male mdx mice (aged 12 weeks) traversed significantly less distance over time during the open filed test, in line with the model’s dystrophic phenotype.

The C57BL/10ScSnJ mdx mouse model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy shows significant muscle strength impairment
C57BL/10ScSnJ mdx mice show significant decreases in physical performance in the rotarod test in comparison to their WT litter mates at 4 weeks and 7 weeks of age (**P<0.001). The Rotarod is the golden standard for assessing motor performance and learning in mice. The mice are placed on a rotating rod, with increasing rotating speed. Motor performance is measured by the maximal RPM (rounds per minute) at which mice are able to keep up with the rotating rod. Motor learning can be assessed by training mice on the rod for several trials.

Histopathology images show differences between the m. tibialis anterior skeletal muscle of wild-type and DMD mouse.
Compared to WT (A), DMD (B) mice show centrally located nuclei (DAPI, blue). Centrally located nuclei are hallmark of skeletal muscle regeneration, and in this model, reflective of the constant remodeling of the skeletal muscle driven by cycles of muscle degeneration and regeneration. In WT mice, nuclei are located at the sarcolemma (WGA, green) of the skeletal muscle fibers.
DMD Mouse Model Readouts
Biologische Messgrößen
Test the efficacy of your treatments with the following biological readouts:
- Histopathology (e.g., WGA, Sirius red, H&E etc.,) of skeletal muscle (regeneration, necrosis, hypertrophy) and heart tissue.
Ausgewählte Veröffentlichungen unseres Teams
- Remmelink, E., Aartsma-Rus, A., Smit, A. B., Verhage, M., Loos, M., & van Putten, M. (2016). Cognitive flexibility deficits in a mouse model for the absence of full-length dystrophin. Genes, brain, and behavior, 15(6), 558–567. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbb.12301
- Engelbeen, S., Aartsma-Rus, A., Koopmans, B., Loos, M., & van Putten, M. (2021). Assessment of Behavioral Characteristics With Procedures of Minimal Human Interference in the mdx Mouse Model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 14, 629043. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.629043
Die Menschen hinter Ihrer Forschung

Dr. Sofie Carmans
Leitender Wissenschaftler im Bereich Neurologie

Dr. Thomas Vogels
Leitender Wissenschaftler im Bereich Neurologie
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