Neurology Research Models and Services
Highly relevant neurology models to facilitate preclinical drug development
Drug development for neurodegenerative diseases is currently limited by poor translation of preclinical animal models to clinical application in humans. This results in extremely costly late-stage development failures and a lack of innovative treatments that halt or reverse disease progression.
InnoSer’s neurology team continues to expand upon our offerings that allow industry innovators to better understand the complexity of neurological disease and the effects of their compounds. We offer a selection of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models for testing new and innovative compounds within the challenging research area of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, our team has significant expertise in neuromuscular, rare genetic diseases, neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorder studies.
We support our clients in identifying new drugs or applications, characterizing their pharmacological properties, and conducting safety and efficacy testing with state-of-the-art readout capabilities and histopathological analysis.
Valuable aspects of InnoSer’s neurology pipelines:
- Centralized research with our full-service drug development options
- Optimal study design and execution by experts
- A full suite of (digital) histopathology assessments
- Sensitive behavioral assessments
Neurology research with InnoSer
Powered by standardized and customised behavioural tests
InnoSer runs its preclinical studies in a state-of-the art animal facility where well-separated rooms are equipped with specific behavioural setups for conventional and automated screening. Together with our fully standardized operating procedures, this ensures the highest level of reproducibility.
Smart pathological assessment
Enhance the translational value of your neurology research with a histopathological assessment of clinically relevant biomarkers. We can provide deeper insights into neuro-inflammation and compound toxicity using sound techniques and expert application. Supported by digital workflows for efficient and accurate results our histopathology services will see your research enhanced through technology. Read more >>
Fast study initiation with timely and insightful updates
Our neurology models are initiated quickly and set up upon agreement with our dedicated neurology study team. Timely updates enable you to closely follow the progression of your project and help inform and guide your research. We provide consulting on relevant endpoint analysis and help guide and inform your research with our expertise.
In Vitro Neurology Models
We offer highly reproducible in vitro models and assays using human and rodent cell lines and primary mouse cell types, including monocultures and mixed cultures of neuronal and glial cells. Our in vitro assays and models allow you to investigate the effect of your investigational compound on specific neurological pathways.
Cell models of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis:
- Disease-related peptides (e.g., amyloid-β fibrils, MBP, α-synuclein, etc.)
- Stimulus–induced (e.g., LPS, IL-13, Rotenone, etc.)
- Neurotoxins (e.g., H2O2, 6-OHDA, Rotenone, etc.)
Cell line SH-SY5Y
The human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y serves as an excellent in vitro model for evaluating a compound’s ability to rescue neurodegenerative disease phenotypes marked by significant ROS production induced by disease-related peptides (*P<0.05; ****P<0.0001)
In vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease
The monoclonal antibody aducanumab significantly stimulates phagocytosis of amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease using the human microglial cell line (HMC3) (*P<0.05; ***P<0.001; ****P<0.0001)
In vitro model of Parkinson’s disease
Treating immortalized human microglial cells (HMC3) with α-synuclein fibrils modulates microglial function by significantly increasing the phagocytic activity, serving as a suitable in vitro model of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies (*P<0.05; ****P<0.0001)
Readouts:
- Neuro–inflammation
- Phagocytosis assay
- Apoptosis and necrosis
- Cell metabolism
- Live cell imaging (Incucyte)
- Immunocytochemistry
- Analysis of NO, ROS, cytokines
- Neurodegeneration meso-scale discovery panels (Aβ38, Aβ40, Aβ42, APP, α-Synuclein Contactin-2/TAG-1, Neprilysin, Neuronal pentraxin-1, Tau)
Phagocytosis assay is an excellent, highly reproducible assay to test compound efficacy using pHRODO-labelled amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils in an in vitro model of Alzheimer’s disease using the human microglial cell line (HMC3).
Ex Vivo Neurology Models
Preserving the spatial relationship between cellular types within a relevant tissue architecture, our ex vivo capabilities allow drug developers to examine the therapeutic effects of their test compounds in a relevant brain environment. We offer flexible research options including long-term culturing, tunable disease mimicking and therapeutic trials in a system without blood brain barrier (BBB) interference.
Models of alzheimer’s disease, parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis:
- Stimulus (e.g., LPS, IL-13, Rotenone, etc.)
- Disease related peptides fis (e.g., β-amyloid, MBP, α-synuclein, etc.)
- Neurotoxins (AO, H2O2, 6-OHDA, Rotenone, etc.)
Readouts:
- Live imaging
- Cell-cell interactions
- Cell migration
- Examination of neuro-inflammation and neuroprotection
- Demyelination/Remyelination
- Immunohistochemistry
In Vivo Neurology Models
Gain relevant insights into gene function using validated in vivo models. We offer a selection of genetic and induced mouse models to screen for novel drug candidates.
Rare Genetic Disease
Neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder
- DiGeorge syndrome – 22q11.2 deletion
Neuromuscular diseases
- Spasticity
- CMT1A
- Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy
Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple sclerosis - MS
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - ALS
Intellectual disability
- MK801 induced cognitive deficit
- Scopolamine induced cognitive deficit
- FMR1 Fragile X
- DiGeorge syndrome
Readouts & Analyses:
- Full suite of histopathology services; Immunohistochemistry of brain and nerve tissues (IHC)
- Bioanalyses in various biological matrices
- Flow Cytometry
- ELISA, Ultra-Sensitive ELISA for CSF/plasma biomarkers
- Meso Scale Discovery (MSD)
- Immunoblotting
Behavioral tests:
- Cognitive Tests
- Automated Tests
- Motor Function
- Anxiety/Activity Tests
- Sensorimotor Tests
- Social Behavior Tests
In vivo analyses:
- Mouse breeding and genotyping
- Microbiome transplantation studies
- Compound administration
- Stereotaxic surgery
- EEG, EMG and ECG analyses
- Cannula implantation
- Tissue collection and analysis
View our comprehensive range of sensitive and automated behavioural tests
AAALAC Accreditation
InnoSer has earned the AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to responsible animal care and use. AAALAC International is a nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. Our accreditation is valid for three years, incl. 2023. Read more about the AAALAC accreditation programme here.
Animal Welfare
The 3Rs impact everything from policy and regulatory change to the development and uptake of new technologies and approaches. This is why Innoser has ongoing commitment and monitoring of these processes. The steps we practice maximize our ability to replace, reduce and refine animal involvement and facilitate our commitment to these principles when it comes to research and drug development.
The people behind the models
Jolien Beekens, PhD, Neurology Study Director
With in vitro screening methods available as a suited first step in your development process our team of experts have the experience to optimise your study design process.
Thomas Vogels, PhD, Neurology Study Director
Leads an expert team of scientists with vast experience in our Neurology models to help you choose the right model and guide your optimal study design. We provide the solution to accelerating your drug development.
Related Resources
Facility Management
Mouse Models Overview
Introducing InnoSer's Acceleration Program (ISAP)
Need more information?
If you have any questions about how we can help you answer your research questions, then let us know.