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Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects millions globally, disrupting motor function and quality of life. While roughly 10% of cases are linked to genetic mutations, the majority result from complex interactions among aging, environmental exposure, traumatic brain injuries, and other risk factors.
Preclinical PD research focuses on identifying early biomarkers to predict disease onset, uncovering strategies to slow or halt its progression, and developing therapies that can alleviate existing motor and non-motor symptoms. By studying the disease in animal models, researchers aim to build a foundation for more effective diagnosis and personalized treatments. However, understanding the intricacies of this complex, multifactorial disease is hampered by the lack of readily available preclinical models that accurately recapitulate disease onset, poor reproducibility among studies, and logistical challenges in accessing reliable models—factors that continue to slow progress in the field.
Developin strategic solutions
To overcome significant gaps in the scientific toolkit for Parkinson’s disease (PD) research, Taconic Biosciences partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to provide broad access to a comprehensive portfolio of genetically engineered mouse and rat models that replicate key features of the disease. Murine models are indispensable in PD research, as they mimic the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons and enable the study of genetic contributors, such as PRKN and SNCA mutations, which are critical to understanding disease onset and progression.
This collaboration has expanded the availability of translationally relevant tools, including the floxed parkin mouse, which features a conditional Prkn allele in which exon 7 is floxed (linked to early-onset PD), and the humanized aSyn A53T SNCA knock-in rat, which expresses a pathogenic alpha-synuclein variant while lacking endogenous rat SNCA function. These models, along with the newly introduced SNCA knockout rat and the constitutive knock-in LRRK2 mouse with a human point mutation, along with nearly a dozen additional models, allow researchers to investigate hallmark disease processes like alpha-synuclein aggregation and Lewy body formation. With five more models in development, the portfolio is helping to overcome barriers such as limited access, poor reproducibility, and inadequate disease representation, ultimately advancing the discovery of tailored therapies and bringing the field closer to disease-modifying treatments and a cure.
15 years of partnership
In addition to equipping researchers with a diverse portfolio of genetically targeted mouse and rat models, this partnership between MJFF and Taconic Biosciences offers streamlined, up-front licensing terms that clearly define research use, breeding rights, and distribution permissions—removing ambiguity and accelerating scientific progress. By minimizing administrative and logistical hurdles, the collaboration empowers researchers to focus on uncovering the mechanisms of Parkinson’s disease and developing effective therapies. Many investigators also choose to leverage Taconic’s expertise in breeding and colony management, freeing up valuable time and resources to concentrate on experimental design and data analysis.
This long-standing partnership, established in 2010 as part of MJFF’s Research Tools Program, reflects a shared commitment to advancing the field by providing broad, equitable access to rigorously characterized, high-quality rodent models. These models, essential for probing disease mechanisms and testing interventions, are a cornerstone of MJFF’s mission to find a cure and improve the lives of those living with PD today.
“The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through an aggressively funded strategic research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s today,” said Nicole Polinski, PhD, director of research resources, MJFF.
The tools generated through this collaboration represent a critical step toward that goal. Researchers can explore the full range of available PD models at taconic.com/mjff.
Learn more at taconic.com/gen.
