Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
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                              Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare autosomal recessive motor neurodegenerative disease and is the leading genetic cause of death among infants and toddlers. There are different forms of human Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) with varying severities. One of the most widely used models is the SMN2D7 transgenic model which provides a descriptive phenotype for testing compounds. PsychoGenics has successfully established a large colony of the SMND7 mouse model. This model has been well phenotyped and characterized in our facility. By using our in vivo drug screening platform, PsychoGenics can evaluate new chemical entities, proteins and even gene therapies in SMND7 neonates. The phenotype expresses a decline in body weight and motor function with age. The median age at death is around 15 days. PsychoGenics has developed a multi-functional battery of tests to rapidly screen compounds using the SMN2D7 model.

                              Body Weight
                              The body weight of the mice is recorded on a daily basis from day 1 for the duration of the study.
                              SMAD7 knockout (KO) mice have significantly lower body weights compared to the Wild Type (WT) mice.
                              Geotaxis
                              This is a motor test that assesses the ability of the mouse to adjust body position when placed at a 350 incline.
                              SMAD7 knockout (KO) mice show marked impairment in geotaxis from postnatal day 4 onwards when compared to Wild Type littermates (WT).
                              Survival
                              Survival of the mice is recorded and is cumulatively tracked as the population in the various treatment group declines
                              A potential drug candidate for the treatment of SMA is seen to significantly increase the time of survival of the SMA D7 knockout (KO) mice.
                              Tube Test
                              The tube test is a novel test developed at PsychoGenics designed to test neonate's (P2 - P12 in age) hind-limb strength (HLS) and general body tone. The test measures parameters such as time spent hanging, number of pulls, and overall tone observation score.
                              A potential drug candidate for the treatment of SMA is seen to significantly increase motor strength in the hind limbs of the SMA D7 knockout (KO) mice.