CRISPR Rat for Neurological Research    

Receptors, transporter proteins and ion channels are important targets in the development of treatments for neurological diseases, but their mechanistic roles in pathogenesis are often poorly understood. Gene editing will help determine the molecular and functional roles of these targets, as well as the consequences of their regional dysfunction at the whole-brain level.

For example, scientists generated Tollip knockout rat strains through CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene inactivation. tollip-deficient rats were protected from I/R injury due to a significant reduction in neuronal apoptosis and ischemic inflammation through Akt activation. The findings suggest that Tollip acts as a novel regulator of I/R injury by promoting neuronal apoptosis and ischemic inflammation (mediated mainly by Akt signaling inhibition).

Fig. 1 Tollip knockout rats generated by Cas9 exhibit protection against I/R injury. (Li M, et al., 2015)

Solution

CRISPR/Cas9 Platform^CB enables cell type-specific genomic modifications of neurons in the adult rat brain. For example, we can provide a dopamine transporter knockout (DAT-KO) rat model generated using CRISPR/Cas9. We can also characterize the behavioral, neurochemical, and electrophysiological effects of eliminating dopamine transporter proteins and altered responses to drugs that affect dopaminergic transmission. In addition, we can combine in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing with molecular and functional brain imaging in the adult rat brain to investigate direct connections between genes, molecules, and the brain connectome. Our combined approach can be used to identify pathological features of mild or severe disease phenotypes, as it allows the detection of specific stages of molecular and functional brain adaptations. Our services can support not only the study of molecular and functional brain alterations, but also the development of targeted therapies to restore normal brain function.

What Can We Help You in Neurological Research?

• Provide new insights into the mechanisms of chronic dysregulation of the dopamine system
• Test gene function in models of substance abuse or neurodegenerative disease (e.g., LRKK2, synuclein, PINK, and DJ-1)
• Develop tailor-made therapies to normalize brain function
• Investigating the molecular and functional dynamics of specific genes in the brain
• Detection of neural biomarkers

Related Services

• Knockout Rat Model Service
• Knock-in Rats Model
• Point Mutation Rat Model Service

Related Products

• CRISPR/Cas9 Kits
• Cas9 Protein
• Cas9 mRNA
• Cas9 Related Plasmids
• Pre-made Cas9 Virus Particles

CRISPR/Cas9 Platform^CB enables the use of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to regulate genes in the rat brain. We are committed to helping you explore genetic influences on brain health and disease in model organisms that more closely resemble the human condition. Our one-stop service provides you with comprehensive neuroscience research solutions, from model development, breeding, behavioral testing, phenotype assessment, evaluation of surgical/drug treatments and pathological marker detection. We use specialized recording and analysis systems dedicated to helping you accomplish your research goals in less time.