Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (mdx)

Perform behavioural research studies to investigate your novel and innovative targeted Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy therapies using the mdx mouse model

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Home » Neurology Research Models and Services  » Neuromuscular Disease – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (mdx)
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by progressive muscle weakening and wasting. The disease is caused by nonsense or frame-shift mutations in the DMD gene, which encodes the muscle-related dystrophin protein. The most widely used DMD mouse model is the mdx mouse, which lacks functional dystrophin protein due to a point mutation.
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. 
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Mdx mouse key model characteristics:

  • The mdx mutation results in a termination codon of the dystrophin muscular dystrophy (Dmd) gene on the X chromosome.
  • Crossing with C57BL/10ScSn required to generate relevant controls.
  • 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). 

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Belgian based preclinical neurology CRO mouse models

Key readouts

Test the efficacy of your treatments with the following commonly used behavioral tests:

Motor function:

  • Grip strength test
  • Catwalk gait analysis
  • Rotarod test
  • Wire hanging test
Behavioural tests catalogue

Assess the efficacy of your treatments with the following biological readouts:

  • Histopathology

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. 

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