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Published

Considerations for the selection and phenotyping of mouse models for the study of Alzheimer's disease

Authors

Sevda Boyanova, Loukia Katsouri, Julija Krupic, Kaitlyn Hair, Szu-Han Wang, Frances K Wiseman

Abstract

STAR Protoc. 2026 Jun 16;7(3):104633. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104633. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

All models are incomplete and must balance the need for experimental efficiency with the complexity of the natural world. To select and use models for the study of human disease, it is critical to understand what is of fundamental scientific importance and which limitations are thus of greatest concern. Here, we highlight key considerations for the design of research studies using mouse models of aspects of Alzheimer's disease for both mechanistic and proof-of-principle intervention studies. This primer considers mouse model choice, including the strengths and limitations of genetically altered, pathological aggregates injection, and human iPSC-chimera systems. We also review key principles of experimental design, husbandry, and technical considerations for the phenotyping of clinically disease-relevant features, with a focus on behavior and cognition.

PMID:42301821 | DOI:10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104633

UK DRI Authors

Dr Sevda Boyanova

Postdoctoral Researcher

I am a post doctoral researcher studying models of aspects of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia, in order to understand better the mechanisms of these diseases.

Dr Sevda Boyanova

Dr Julija Krupic

Group Leader

Understanding early changes in neuron-glia circuits in Alzheimer’s disease

Dr Julija Krupic