The histopathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are extracellular plaques composed of amyloid beta (Aβ) and intracellular inclusions of the protein Tau (neurofibrillary tangles). Tau is encoded by the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene. Tau pathology in AD and other Tauopathies such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is strongly associated with neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms. 

Transgenic mouse models overexpressing human Tau with disease associated MAPT mutations display abundant tau pathology, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and behavioural impairments; making them ideal models to test therapeutic interventions for AD and other tauopathies. Transgenic Tau mouse models recapitulating the Tau pathology are suitable for testing compounds for AD, but also a range of other Tauopathies (FTD, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick’s disease). InnoSer additionally offers Tau seeding models using recombinant and/or patient derived seeds or alternatively APP transgenic mice which recapitulate the amyloid beta pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. However, as each model is unique, modelling distinct pathophysiological aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, we recommend you discuss the most appropriate model with our neurology study directors.