Alzheimer’s disease models and services
Complimentary range of models that recapitulate key characteristics of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, impacts memory, language, and cognition. Patients with AD typically have a life expectancy of four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live up to 20 years with the condition.
Before receiving a formal diagnosis, there is a preclinical stage known as preclinical AD, where brain pathology gradually emerges and progresses. Initiating treatments during this early stage becomes crucial to prevent irreversible damage and address the disease effectively.
Alzheimer’s Disease model options
Transgenic Amyloid Models
InnoSer offers preclinical research services with several different transgenic amyloid models, which recapitulate the plaque pathology of AD.
Transgenic Tau Models
Tau Seeding Model
View our comprehensive range of standardized and customized behavioural tests
Alzheimer’s disease dimentia
Pathology in the brain: amyloid and tau
The defining histopathological features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) include extracellular plaques formed by amyloid beta (Aβ) and intracellular inclusions of the protein tau, known as neurofibrillary tangles.
These Aβ aggregates are believed to contribute, at least partially, to subsequent pathological processes such as tau misfolding, synaptic toxicity, and inflammation. The presence of tau pathology is closely associated with neurodegeneration and cognitive decline in AD. Researchers can recreate both pathologies by utilizing transgenic mice or through the introduction of viral vectors or aggregate-containing brain extracts from AD patients.
Transgenic P301S (PS19) mice show Tau pathology (AT8; phosphorylated Tau) at 8 months of age
Risk factors: APOE4
The most significant genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the genetic variation in the gene encoding Apolipoprotein E (APOE). Individuals carrying the APOE4 allele face a 3 to 12 times higher risk of developing AD. APOE is a protein expressed by astrocytes and microglia, playing a role in lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation.
Mice with a humanized APOE4 gene serve as valuable models for evaluating APOE-targeting therapeutics. These APOE models are often crossed with amyloid or tauopathy mouse models, enhancing the observed phenotypes and further contributing to Alzheimer’s disease research.
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.
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.
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