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Angelman Syndrome Mouse Model  Ube3a Mouse Model

Investigate the effects of pharmacological treatments using the most established, translationally relevant Ube3a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome, combined with a standardized test battery  

Home » Neurology CRO Services » Angelman Syndrome Mouse Model – Ube3a Mouse Model

Ube3a Mouse Model of Angelman Syndrome 

UBE3A mouse models represent translationally relevant preclinical research models for evaluating novel therapeutics for Angelman Syndrome – a rare, neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the absence of functional maternally-derived UBE3A protein.  

At InnoSer, we offer the Ube3amE113X/p+ (MGI:5911277) variant of this model originally identified and well-characterized by the laboratory of Dr. Ype Elgersma. Developed to closely mimic Angelman Syndrome on the genetic level, this model carries a mutation in the maternal allele of the Ube3a gene, specifically an E113X nonsense mutation in exon 5 (m-), which introduces an early stop codon in the Ube3a gene, preventing the production of functional UBE3A protein. Normally, both in humans and in mice, the Ube3a gene is expressed solely from the maternal allele in mature neurons. Therefore, although the paternal allele (p+) remains intact, the gene expression of paternal Ube3a in this mouse model is silenced due to genomic imprinting. As a result, these mice do not produce functional UBE3A protein in the brain, leading to many of the same neurological and behavioral impairments observed in Angelman Syndrome patients, namely epilepsy, motor deficits, abnormal EEG, as well as abnormal sleep patterns, increased anxiety, and repetitive behavior (Sonzgoni et al., 2018) 

The Ube3a mouse model offers a clinically relevant platform for evaluating multiple potential therapeutic strategies for Angelman Syndrome, including gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), and small molecules.  

Looking for more details about the Ube3a mouse model? 

✓  The Ube3a (Ube3a t-m2Yelg, MGI:5911277) mouse model is exclusively available through InnoSer in collaboration with Dr. Ype Elgersma, a leading expert in Angelman Syndrome research 

✓  InnoSer offers a robust and standardized behavioral test battery in the Ube3a mouse model, validated by the Elgersma lab, demonstrating consistent model phenotypes on different genetic backgrounds, across key tests including the rotarod, susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (AGS) assessment, marble burying, nest building, and open field test (Sonzogni et al., 2018) 

✓  InnoSer offers comprehensive preclinical support, including biodistribution studies, PK/PD profiling, early-stage toxicology, and tolerability studies that can be performed before commencing therapeutic efficacy studies  

Transverse Aortic Constriction mouse model

As a trusted preclinical CRO specializing in rare neurological disorders, among others, InnoSer provides end-to-end support for drug discovery and development. Take advantage of InnoSer’s expertise, flexibility, and collaborative approach for your research. We support you in identifying new drug candidates, characterizing their pharmacological properties, and conducting rigorous safety and efficacy studies with state-of-the-art behavioral, bioanalytical, and histopathological readouts.  

Example data featuring the Ube3a mouse model: 

Key readouts in the Ube3a mouse model: 

Key Behavioral Readouts in the Ube3a Mouse Model


Test the efficacy of your treatments in the following battery of behavioural tests:

View Complete Catalogue

Additional analyses

Biomarker analyses and/or post-mortem analyses:
 
  • Susceptibility test to audiogenically-induced seizures
  • Relevant organ (spinal cord) and brain tissue (striatum, hippocampus) collection and biochemical analyses
  • EEG
  • Histopathology analyses (e.g., UBE3A levels in brain regions)

The People Behind Your Research

Sofie Carmans, PhD

Sofie Carmans, PhD

Principal Scientist Neurology

Thomas Vogels, PhD

Thomas Vogels, PhD

Principal Scientist Neurology

Prof. Dr. Ype Elgersma

Prof. Dr. Ype Elgersma

Angelmann Advisor

Prof. Dr. Ype Elgersma

Prof. Dr. Ype Elgersma is a Professor of Molecular Neuroscience, Chair of Research and Education, Dept. of Clinical Genetics and Scientific Director ENCORE Expertise Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. InnoSer offers the Ube3a mouse model in collaboration with Prof. Elgersma. Prof. Elgersma is a key advisor to InnoSer, guiding studies on the Angelman Syndrome mouse model. His research, including the widely cited behavioral test battery for drug testing, has been replicated in multiple studies and AS lines, advancing therapeutic development for this neurodevelopmental disorder.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What genetic background is the Ube3a mouse model on, and why does it matter?
To ensure reproducible and consistent results, most studies using the Ube3a mouse model are performed on F1 hybrid mice generated from a cross between C57BL/6J and 129S2 strains. This hybrid background provides balanced genetic diversity and minimizes background noise, supporting reliable expression of phenotypes. For audiogenic seizure (AGS) testing, we use mice on the 129S2 background only, as this strain has a well-characterized susceptibility to sound-induced seizures, making it ideal for evaluating seizure-related endpoints in Angelman Syndrome research.  
Can the Ube3a mouse model be used in studies targeting paternal allele reactivation?

Yes. This model is well-suited for a range of therapeutic approaches aimed at restoring UBE3A function. For example, it can be used to evaluate gene replacement strategies, such as reintroducing a functional UBE3A gene via AAV vectors to compensate for the nonfunctional maternal allele. Likewise, because the paternal allele remains genetically intact but epigenetically silenced, the model is equally appropriate for testing paternal allele reactivation therapies — including antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), small molecules, or epigenetic modulators. To explore how this model fits your therapeutic strategy, reach out to our expert team for tailored guidance.

What models does InnoSer offer for studying Angelman Syndrome, and can alternative models be used?

InnoSer offers the Ube3a mE113X/p+ (MGI:5911277) mouse model, which closely mimics the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of Angelman Syndrome. This model is combined with a standardized, validated behavioral test battery for evaluating therapeutic interventions. While we specialize in this model, we are open to discussing alternative models upon specific request to meet your research needs.  

What dosing schedules are possible in the Ube3a mouse model?

In the Ube3a mouse model, various dosing schedules can be employed to test both therapeutic and prophylactic strategies for treating Angelman Syndrome. For therapeutic intervention, intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) at postnatal day 1 (P1) or P21 has been shown to result in significant restoration of UBE3A protein levels in the brain, with a full rescue of audiogenic seizure sensitivity (Milazzo et al., 2021). For prophylactic strategies, early intervention or continuous dosing during the neonatal period may help prevent the onset of symptoms. These flexible dosing options allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments both during and after disease onset, providing a robust platform for testing a wide range of therapeutic approaches. To discuss optimal study designs or explore how the Ube3a mouse model can support your therapeutic or prophylactic strategy, connect with our scientific team today.

 

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