Parkinson’s disease models and services 

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a brain disorder characterized by progressing movement problems and irreversible damage to the brain

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Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder primarily impacting the motor systems in its early stages, resulting in symptoms like tremors, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness. The condition is also associated with autonomic nervous system and neuropsychiatric issues. While various therapies exist to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s, there are currently no treatments capable of halting the progression of the disease.

Parkinson’s Disease model options

MPTP Induced PD Models

InnoSer offers unique services using MPTP-based inducible PD models.

Seeding Alpha-Synuclein Models

InnoSer has extensive experience with α-syn seeding using both PD patient-derived brain extracts and recombinant seeds.

6-OHDA

InnoSer has extensive experience with the administration of neurotoxic compounds such as 6-OHDA to induce PD phenotypes in vivo.

GBA

Targeting intracellular lysosomal pathways using in vivo models with GBA-associated mutations. 

Transgenic Alpha-Synuclein Models

InnoSer offers fee-for-service transgenic α-syn mouse models.

LRRK2

Gain invaluable insights into the pathology and progression of Parkinson’s disease using InnoSer’s LRRK2 mutant mouse models.
Preclinical behavioral test for drug development

View our comprehensive range of standardized and customized behavioural tests

Parkinson’s Disease 

Brain pathology: alpha-synuclein and substantia nigra degeneration

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by specific hallmarks observed in post-mortem brain tissue, including the presence of intracellular inclusions called Lewy bodies, consisting of the protein alpha-synuclein (α-syn), and cell death in the substantia nigra (SN). These Lewy bodies and SN degeneration are linked to the motor symptoms, but at later stages, both α-syn inclusions and neurodegeneration spread throughout the brain.

Key events contributing to the neurodegeneration and clinical symptoms in PD are believed to involve lysosomal dysfunction, the spreading of α-syn aggregates, and neuroinflammation. Various mouse models of PD have been developed to replicate these disease mechanisms effectively.

Tyrosine hydroxylase staining can be used to assess dopaminergic cell loss after localized lesions in the substantia nigra.

Tyrosine hydroxylase staining can be used to assess dopaminergic cell loss after localized lesions in the substantia nigra.

European based preclinical CRO offering SOD1 model transgenic parkinson's disease mouse models for drug development

Risk factors: SNCA, LRRK2, GBA

Mutations in the genes SNCA, LRRK2, and GBA have significant implications in both familial and sporadic forms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). SNCA is responsible for encoding the alpha-synuclein protein, providing further evidence of its pivotal role in PD. Meanwhile, LRRK2 and GBA encode proteins crucial for intracellular clearance pathways.

Mouse models that replicate these genetic risk factors offer valuable insights into PD and serve as attractive models for studying the disease. These models present an opportunity to test potential treatments for Parkinson’s disease and advance our understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

The people behind the models

Jolien Beekens, PhD

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 InnoSer

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.

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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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