Protocol for handling and using SOD1 mice for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis pre-clinical studies.

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease that has no proper cure. Pre-clinical studies on ALS mice are an essential milestone toward clinical trials. Here, we present a protocol for handling and using SOD1mice for ALS pre-clinical studies. We describe steps for breeding, genotyping, monitoring, and behavioral testing of mice. We then detail procedures for perfusion, organ harvesting, and immunostaining for postmortem analysis. This protocol can be easily modified for other mouse lines. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Alfahel et al..