Transgenic mouse models and human neurodegenerative disorders

The development of new methods for manipulating the mouse genome by transgenic and gene-targeting technologies has dramatically increased our ability to create mouse models for human genetic diseases. These mouse models have greatly facilitated the understanding of the pathogenesis of some human diseases and are beginning to be used in screening of therapeutic agents. In this review, we outline 2 basic techniques that are most frequently used to alter the mouse genetic makeup and summarize their application in the study of some common neurodegenerative disorders.