Table 1. Features of mouse models used in this study.
Model | Genotype | Cre field | Organismal/behavioral phenotype | Histologic findings | Rationale for use | Impact of torsinB modulation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Emx1(A)-CKO | Emx1-Cre; Tor1aKO/flx | Forebrain excitatory, prominent in cortex and hippocampus | Normal appearing Limb clasping in a subset of mice |
Forebrain-selective neurodegeneration | Forebrain motor loop involvement Mild behavioral and neuropathology findings to assess combined torsinA and B LOF |
Reduction:
Worsened neuropathology and behavior |
Emx1-SKI | Emx1-Cre; Tor1aΔE/flx | Forebrain excitatory, prominent in cortex and hippocampus | Normal appearing Limb clasping in a subset of mice |
Forebrain-selective neurodegeneration milder than that seen in Emx1-CKO | Forebrain motor loop involvement Presence of disease mutant torsinA |
Reduction:
Dose-dependent worsening of neuropathology and behavior |
Nes(A)-CKO | Nestin-Cre; Tor1aKO/flx | Entire nervous system | Lack of postnatal weight gain Early lethality by 3rd postnatal week Overtly abnormal postures at rest |
Degeneration in multiple sensorimotor regions | Clear and robust phenotypes Widespread involvement of nervous system |
Overexpression:
Prevention of lethality, restored weight gain Prevention of degeneration and gliosis |
Nes-SKI | Nestin-Cre; Tor1aΔE/flx | Entire nervous system | Reduced postnatal weight gain Overt postural and developmental phenotypes at rest |
Degeneration in multiple sensorimotor regions | Widespread involvement of nervous system Presence of disease mutant torsinA |
Overexpression:
Restored weight gain Prevention of degeneration and gliosis |
Dlx(A)-CKO | Dlx5/6-Cre; Tor1aKO/flx | Forebrain GABAergic and cholinergic, including all striatal neurons | Limb clasping and trunk twisting; symptoms respond to drugs used in human patients | Selective degeneration of dorsal striatal cholinergic interneurons | Predictive validity Time course of motor abnormalities mimics that of human patients |
Overexpression:
Prevention of abnormal limb clasping and twisting movements Prevention of cholinergic interneuron degeneration |