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.