Epilepsy Mouse Models
Since 1998, ingenious targeting laboratory has supported epilepsy research with mouse model generation enabling mechanistic studies of seizure generation, ictogenesis, and therapeutic interventions targeting ion channels, synaptic transmission, and neuronal network excitability. Epilepsy mouse models provide essential platforms for investigating the molecular pathways underlying seizure disorders, testing hypotheses about genetic susceptibility, and developing novel anti seizure medications and precision therapies for patients with drug resistant epilepsy.
Frequently asked questions
Video-EEG monitoring with cortical and/or hippocampal electrodes provides gold-standard seizure detection. Behavioral seizure scoring uses modified Racine scale (stages 1-5). Electrographic analysis quantifies spike frequency, ictal duration, and seizure burden. Many models show circadian variation in seizure occurrence.
Loss-of-function mutations (haploinsufficiency) are modeled with conventional heterozygous knockout (e.g., SCN1A Dravet syndrome). Gain-of-function mutations require point mutation knockin to model the specific patient variant (e.g., SCN8A epileptic encephalopathy). Patient variant knockins enable precision medicine approaches.
Model generation includes targeting construct design, ES cell targeting, chimera generation, and germline transmission. Point mutation knockins or conditional approaches follow similar workflows. Pre-germline characterization enables early validation of targeting and sequence confirmation before mouse generation. Contact us for current timeline estimates.
Yes. Tamoxifen-inducible Cre (CreER) enables temporal control of gene deletion, avoiding developmental effects and enabling adult-onset studies. This is particularly useful for genes with essential developmental functions that would cause lethality if deleted constitutively.
Seizure susceptibility varies dramatically with genetic background. C57BL/6 is relatively resistant to some seizure models. DBA/2 is susceptible to audiogenic seizures. FVB/N shows high susceptibility to kainic acid seizures. Strain selection should match experimental goals and seizure induction methods. (/request-quote)
