General Information
Mice: C57BL/6
Expression of the full-length human LRRK2 protein under the control of the mouse Thy1-regulatory sequences.
Endogenous LRRK2: yes
Corresponding human genotype: LRRK2 is the greatest known genetic contributor to Parkinson’s disease.
Targeted gene: LRRK2
References: Herzig-2012
Transgene expression
- 5-7 months: The human transgene is expressed in the striatum, cortex, hippocampus, and brainstem but not detectable in the SN and cerebellum.
Neurodegeneration
- Up to 19 months: No obvious neurodegeneration is observed.
Dopamine Homeostasis
Not reported
Inclusions
- Up to 15 months: No differences in the levels of alpha-synuclein (phosphorylated or not) or Tau (phosphorylated or not) are observed in the brain of transgenic animals.
Motor Behaviours
- 3-10 months: The transgenic animals seem to perform slightly better on the accelerating rotarod compared to control littermates, however, the effect is only seen at a young age (3-4 months) and is not significant.
Response to dopaminergic treatment
- Not reported
Non-motor Behaviours
- 2-4 months: No difference is observed in term of anxiety or learning abilities (open field, the dark/light box, elevated plus-maze or Morris water maze).
Electrophysiology
- Not reported
Neuroinflammation
- 6-12 months: No difference in the number of glial cells is observed.