Modelling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in rodents

The efficient study of human disease requires the proper tools, one of the most crucial of which is an accurate animal model that faithfully recapitulates the human condition. The study of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is no exception. Although the majority of ALS cases are considered sporadic, most animal models of this disease rely on genetic mutations identified in familial cases. Over the past decade, the number of genes associated with ALS has risen dramatically and, with each new genetic variant, there is a drive to develop associated animal models. Rodent models are of particular importance as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. Such models not only help to verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations but also provide critical insight into disease mechanisms and are crucial for the testing of new therapeutics. In this Review, we aim to summarize the full spectrum of ALS rodent models developed to date. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting both upper and lower motor neurons. Various genes have been linked to ALS, leading to the generation of many rodent models of this disease. In this Review, Todd and Petrucelli provide a broad overview of these models.

Automated summary

Efficient study of human disease requires accurate animal models. For amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), animal models based on genetic mutations identified in familial cases have been developed. The increase in the number of ALS-associated genes has driven the development of more animal models. Rodent models are particularly important as they allow for the study of ALS in the context of a living mammal with a comparable CNS. These models help verify the pathogenicity of novel mutations and provide insights into disease mechanisms, as well as testing new therapeutics.