University of South Florida

Bo Zhang

Chad Dickey

Laura Jenelle Blair

The subject invention pertains to transgenic non-human animals comprising a transgenic nucleotide sequence, integrated into the genome of the animals, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding human FKBP51 operably linked to a tetracycline response element. In some embodiments, the transgenic animal comprises an additional transgenic nucleotide sequence, integrated into the genome of the animal, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a tetracycline transactivator (tTA) operably linked to a promoter; wherein the tTA is expressed upon activation of the promoter and binds the tetracycline response element, thereby causing expression of FKBP51. The invention also pertains to methods for screening for agents for the prevention and/or treatment of psychiatric disorders, such as depression.

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Tampa, FL, United States of America

Bo Zhang