Non-Rodent Models of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease research demands models that capture its complexity, from amyloid-beta (Aβ) toxicity to tau pathology and neuroinflammation. While rodent models remain valuable, non-rodent models of Alzheimer's disease offer unique advantages for studying species-specific mechanisms, accelerating drug discovery, and improving translational outcomes. At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in cutting-edge preclinical platforms using zebrafish, fruit flies, non-human primates (NHPs), and canines to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical success.

Why Non-Rodent Models?

Traditional rodent models have limitations in replicating the full spectrum of human AD, particularly sporadic forms and age-related comorbidities. Non-rodent models address these challenges by

• Mimicking natural pathology: Aged dogs and NHPs develop Aβ plaques and cognitive decline spontaneously.
• Enabling high-throughput screening: Zebrafish and C. elegans allow rapid genetic and drug testing.
• Capturing human-like complexity: Primate models and 3D organoids replicate neuroimmune interactions and tau propagation.
• Reducing translational risk: Species with closer neuroanatomical and metabolic similarities to humans improve preclinical predictability.

Our Core Services

Zebrafish Models

Zebrafish combine genetic tractability with vertebrate neurobiology, making them ideal for early-stage AD research.

• Aβ and tau transgenics: Models expressing human Aβ42 or mutant tau for toxicity studies.
• Neurobehavioral assays: Larval mobility tests, optomotor response, and associative learning tasks.
• High-throughput screens: Evaluate neuroprotective compounds or siRNA libraries targeting Aβ aggregation.

Drosophila (Fruit Fly) Models

Fruit flies offer unparalleled speed for studying AD-associated genes and pathways.

• Tauopathy models: Flies expressing human tau variants to study hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration.
• Lifespan and climbing assays: Quantify the impact of therapies on motor function and survival.
• Synaptic imaging: Analyze presynaptic vesicle dynamics in real time using GFP-tagged neurons.

Non-Human Primate (NHP) Models

NHPs bridge the gap between rodents and humans.

• Aged macaque colonies: Naturally develSoping Aβ plaques and cognitive deficits.
• Multimodal imaging: Amyloid-PET, MRI volumetrics, and CSF biomarker profiling.
• Cognitive testing: Delayed matching-to-sample tasks and social recognition assays.

Canine Models

Aged dogs develop AD-like pathology, offering insights into sporadic disease.

• Behavioral phenotyping: Spatial navigation tests and owner-interaction assessments.
• Neuropathology analysis: Quantify Aβ deposition, microglial activation, and synaptic loss.
• Dietary intervention studies: Evaluate omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants on cognitive aging.

C. elegans Models

These nematodes are cost-effective for dissecting molecular pathways.

• Aβ aggregation strains: Monitor oligomer formation via fluorescent reporters.
• Chemotaxis and thrashing assays: Link neuronal dysfunction to behavior.
• RNAi screens: Identify genes modulating tau toxicity or autophagy.

Applications in AD Research

Our models are trusted for

• Target validation: Prioritize amyloid-clearing or tau-stabilizing therapies.
• Neuroinflammation modulation: Test anti-TREM2 antibodies or NLRP3 inhibitors.
• Biomarker discovery: Identify CSF phospho-tau or plasma GFAP correlates.

Partner with Ace Therapeutics to leverage non-rodent models that unlock new dimensions in Alzheimer's research. Contact us to design a study tailored to your therapeutic goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Our products and services are for research use only and can not be used for diagnostic or other purposes.