At PsychoGenics, we provide transformative solutions for preclinical DMD research, driving rigorous scientific inquiry into this X-linked genetic disorder marked by muscle degeneration. Our extensive resources and seasoned expertise are dedicated to elucidating DMD’s intricacies and accelerating your therapeutic development.
Preclinical DMD Research: The Genetic Underpinnings
The hallmark of DMD is the absence of dystrophin, an integral protein bridging the muscle fiber cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix. Boys affected by DMD experience a progressive decline in muscle strength and loss of muscle mass, typically manifesting by the age of 2 years, underscoring the urgency of effective research and interventions.
Utilizing The mdx Mouse Model
While various animal models exist, PsychoGenics utilizes the C57Bl/10ScSn-Dmdmdx/J (Mdx) mouse model, widely recognized as the primary animal model for DMD research. These mice harbor a specific mutation in exon 23, leading to premature termination of dystrophin synthesis. Our established, in-house colony of mdx mice has been meticulously studied and characterized. Through motor challenges that emphasize fatigue, these animals reveal early-onset muscle weakness — making it an ideal model for screening your novel therapeutic intervention.
