Pfizer Corporation

John D McNeish

John F Thompson

Michael K Ahlijanian

Walter C Soeller

The invention provides genetically-modified non-human mammals and genetically-modified animal cells containing a disrupted RAMP1, RAMP2, or RAMP3 gene. Also provided by the invention are methods of screening for agents that modulate the activity or expression of a RAMP and methods of treating mammals to modulate liver function and/or muscle metabolism.

Modulating ramp activity

The invention provides transgenic, non-human animals and transgenic non-human mammalian cells harboring a transgene encoding a p25 (activator of the protein kinase cdk 5) polypeptide. The two neuropathological lesions associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), composed predominantly of amyloid &bgr; peptides and hyperphosphorylated tau, respectvely. While animal models for plaque formation exist, there is no animal model that recapitulates the formation of NFTs. This invention provides transgenic mice that overexpress human p25, an activator of cdk5, resulting in tau that is hyperphosphorylated at AD-relevant epitopes. Deposition of tau is detected in the amygdala, thalamus and cortex. Increased phosphorylated neurofilament, silver-positive neurons and neuronal death are also observed in these regions. We conclude that the overexpression of p25, an activator of cdk5, is sufficient to produce hyperphosphorylation of tau and neuronal death. The p25 transgenic mouse represents the first model for tau pathology in AD.

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Mystic, CT, United States of America

John D McNeish