Detection, Development and Characterization of New Mouse Models for ALS
Kevin Seburn, Ph.D.
The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine
Thomas Hampton, Ph.D.
Mouse Specifics, Inc., Boston, Mass.

NIH has funded a Jackson Laboratories Neuroscience Mutagenesis Facility to produce 50 new mutant strains of mice annually. Using this approach, genes linked to a variety of disorders will be identified. ALSA is supporting this initiative to identify and characterize mice with motor neuron and neuromuscular defects in an attempt to find new models for ALS and more importantly new genes involved in the disease. To screen large numbers of mice, good behavioral assays are required. ALSA is supporting Dr. Hampton from Mouse Specifics, Inc. to develop an automated gait analysis system for this purpose.