Mapt Knockout mouse models
Mapt, the mouse ortholog of human MAPT, encodes tau, a natively unfolded microtubule-associated protein whose carboxy-terminal repeat domain binds along the microtubule lattice to promote assembly and regulate axonal transport, while its projection domain and extensive phosphorylation by GSK3 beta, CDK5, and MARK kinases control detachment and aggregation propensity. A decisive species difference drives model design: adult mouse brain expresses almost exclusively four-repeat tau, whereas human brain expresses balanced three-repeat and four-repeat isoforms generated by exon 10 splicing, so intronic and exonic FTDP-17 mutations that shift isoform ratio cannot be modeled on the mouse locus and require humanized MAPT knockin alleles carrying the full genomic region. Coding mutations such as P301S and P301L instead drive filament formation and are commonly modeled by knockin or transgene. Nulls are viable with mild phenotypes because Map1b and Map2 compensate, so deletion answers requirement while humanized or aggregation-prone knockins answer tauopathy mechanism and antibody or antisense oligonucleotide response.
Mapt null animals are straightforward to genotype and phenotype when survival is acceptable. They remain a standard background for pharmacology, biomarker, and rescue studies.
What Mapt Knockout mouse models are available?
ingenious targeting laboratory offers 1 distinct Mapt knockout catalog mouse model. Researchers can order pre-developed catalog lines or request a custom mouse model, including humanized, knockin, and transgenic variations with verified germline transmission.
Catalog table
| Model | Type | Category | Availability | Catalog # | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapt-KO | Knockout | KO/CKO mice | live | KO 190837 | Inquire |
Designing a Mapt Knockout allele
The most valuable thing this null does is subtract. Endogenous murine four-repeat tau co-assembles with human tau and dilutes filament composition, so the null is the standard host chassis for human knockins, humanized loci, and seeding studies where filament content must be unambiguous. As a phenotype-generating allele it is modest: homozygotes are viable and fertile, Map1a rises to compensate, and deficits appear mainly with age or challenge, including muscle weakness and altered excitotoxic vulnerability. Delete the promoter and first coding exon rather than internal exons, and check neighboring transcription, since the locus carries antisense and overlapping transcripts. Validate by immunoblot with pan-tau and isoform-specific antibodies confirming no residual four-repeat signal, quantify Map1a and Map2 compensation, then treat behavioral endpoints as challenge dependent rather than constitutive.
A conventional knockout answers whether the gene is required broadly. When your target tissue is the organ of interest, a global null can still be informative if viability is acceptable and you want the simplest genotype. If the null is harsh, a floxed allele with a regional Cre is the safer long term platform.
Pricing and quotes
The Mapt Knockout lines listed above are catalog models. Send us the catalog number and our team confirms current availability, pricing, and whether the line ships cryopreserved or live.
If your study needs a Mapt allele configuration that is not listed above, our scientific team designs and generates it. Model generation quotes return in about twenty four hours with project milestones and pricing.
FAQ
What Mapt Knockout mouse models are available?
When Mapt Knockout lines are in catalog, we ship from inventory. If your configuration is not listed, we design the allele to order. Common paths include conditional knockout, constitutive knockout, humanized, knockin, and transgenic options, with documented germline transmission and United States QC.
Is Mapt knockout embryonic lethal in mice?
It depends on background and allele design. Some Mapt germline knockouts are viable. Others need conditional alleles or mixed backgrounds. We review publications and our own experience, then recommend floxed versus null before you commit.
Which Cre driver is best for experiments?
Driver choice depends on onset timing, recombination efficiency, and known leak. We map your organ and cell type to a short list of proven Cre lines, then talk through reporter crosses and controls. We favor drivers with strong community validation for your tissue.
Do you ship live Mapt animals?
When catalog lines are live, we ship with health certificates and QC documentation. If your exact combo is not listed, we quote a generation project with cryo or live dispatch depending on cohort timing and geography.
How do I request a quote for Mapt?
Use the catalog inquire buttons or the request quote form. Include your allele goal, Cre plan if any, strain background, and cohort size. A PhD led team responds with pricing, milestones, and the fastest path to experimental animals.