Transgenic Tau Mouse Models
Test potential therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease and other Tauopathies in Transgenic Tau mouse models with Tau deposition and the downstream pathological events
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.
InnoSer offers expert guidance and collaborative approach on selecting the best model for your research, as the models we offer present varying degrees of neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and behavioural deficits.
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).
Transgenic Tau mouse models that InnoSer offers:
- P301S (PS19)
- TauP301L (JNPL3)
- Tau seeding models (e.g., in PS19, hTau)
Find the right model for you.
Compare our model capabilities and discover which of our neurology platforms suits your research needs
Key readouts in transgenic Tau mouse models
Test the efficacy of your treatments in the following behavioural tests:
- MSD: Plasma, CSF, and brain (pTau, cytokines, NF-L)
- (Digital) histopathology
- Immunohistochemistry (e.g., pTau, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration)
- Immunofluorescence and FISH
Example data featuring transgenic Tau mouse models
Transgenic P301S (PS19) mice show Tau pathology (AT8; phosphorylated Tau) at 8 months of age
Transgenic P301S (PS19) have astro- and microgliosis at 8 months of age.
Thy1-P301L mice show subtle, but significant changes in gait and footprint size on the Catwalk test indicating fine motor skills deficit at 6 months of age; by 10 months or older, these mice show profound motor function deficits
The CatWalk XT (Noldus IT, The Netherlands) is a gait analysis system for quantitative assessment of gait and locomotion in mice. It is the most sophisticated system for the quantification of a wide range of parameters related to footprints and gait in unforced moving animals.
Thy1 (P301S) mice show a progressive decrease in grip strength from 14 weeks of age onwards.
The Grip Strength test assesses neuromuscular function by measuring the peak force a mouse can apply by grasping a bar connected to a force meter. Five trials with front paws are followed by five trials with front and hind paws combined. The median of these five trials is used as a measure of grip strength. The grip strength test is used in Tau transgenic models to longitudinally follow the build-up of toxic Tau protein in the brain stem and spinal cord.
Related Alzheimer’s disease model options
Neurology Platform Overview
APP Transgenic Mice
InnoSer offers preclinical research services with several different transgenic amyloid models, which recapitulate the plaque pathology of AD.
Tau Seeding Mouse Models
InnoSer uses an AD brain extract injection model, providing unique preclinical services with a translational model of Tau pathology and spreading.
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.