Animal models of maple syrup urine disease

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is an inherited aminoacidopathy resulting from dysfunction of the branched-chain keto acid dehydrogenase (BCKDH) complex. This disease is currently treated primarily by dietary restriction of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). However, dietary compliance is often challenging. Conversely, liver transplantation significantly improves outcomes, but donor organs are scarce and there are high costs and potential risks associated with this invasive procedure. Therefore, improved treatment options for MSUD are needed. Development of novel treatments could be facilitated by animal models that accurately mimic the human disease. Animal models provide a useful system in which to explore disease mechanisms and new preclinical therapies. Here we review MSUD and currently available animal models and their corresponding relevance to the human disorder. Using animal models to gain a more complete understanding of the pathophysiology behind the human disease may lead to new or improved therapies to treat or potentially cure the disorder.