Npas3 Mutant Mice and Uses for Screening and Testing Therapies for Schizophrenia and Related Neurological Disorders

摘要

A transgenic mouse with a gene-targeted mutation of the Npas3 gene, and a model of schizophrenia and related neurological disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Tourette's Syndrome, and bipolar disorders, and other neurological disorders affecting locomotor activity, including Parkinson's Disease. A method is also provided for use of the Npas3-deficient mouse for testing the efficacy of a biologically active agent as a treatment for schizophrenia and related neurological disorders. The methods further includes uses of cells and cell lines derived from an Npas3-deficient mouse to screen biologically active agents that can alter biochemical pathways involved in schizophrenia and related neurological disorders, including those affecting locomotion.