Michael Sasner, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
Focuses on creating and characterizing mouse models that accurately model human neurodegenerative disease and therefore can be used in the development of new therapies.
In the MODEL-AD program, my focus is on creating and characterizing improved models of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease to be used in the development of novel therapeutics. This includes generation of new mouse models expressing genetic risk factors previously identified in human disease and phenotyping of clinically relevant traits to be used in preclinical testing.
We also using a genetic knock-in approach to generate more relevant models of familial (early-onset) AD, and to study genetic risk associated with key aging and disease-associated variants at the APOE and klotho loci. As partners in a consortium focused on the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, we create unique animal models useful for the study of disease etiology (e.g., fluorescent reporters for specific microglia or astrocyte cell states).
We continually strive to develop and implement improved experimental methods by partnering with companies to validate and adopt new technologies. In all projects, a main goal is to make novel resources, included animal models, information, and methods, widely available for both academic and biomedical research. Towards this goal, I am co-Director of an annual hands-on workshop Principles and Techniques for Improving Preclinical Translation in Alzheimer’s Disease.
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Press ReleaseJuly 23, 2018Eight new mouse models for Alzheimer’s disease available to researchers
Indiana University-Jackson Laboratory MODEL-AD Center addresses critical need for precision animal models for Alzheimer’s research. -
Search MagazineJanuary 30, 2017Breaking the bottleneck
For the first time, researchers have the tools to build new mouse models that truly represent patients with Alzheimer’s disease. -
Press ReleaseMarch 31, 2014
The Jackson Laboratory, University College, London, receive collaborative grant from The Chordoma Foundation
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eNewsNovember 02, 2011
Optogenetic mice light up neuroscience research
Learn about the variety of optogenetic mouse models that are available from The Jackson Laboratory and how these mice are revolutionizing neuroscience research.
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Press ReleaseJuly 13, 2018New research effort to understand role of APOE mutation in Alzheimer’s disease
Inheriting a specific genetic variant, APOEε4, is linked with 15-20 percent rise in risk of developing Alzheimer’s, with at least 20 other genes implicated. JAX researchers are studying how APOEε4 risk depends on other genes, in mice with a wide variety of genetic backgrounds. -
eNewsJanuary 21, 2016
Toward more predictive genetic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease that leads to cognitive decline, dementia and ultimately death, mostly in the elderly. -
Blog PostSeptember 26, 2013Optogenetics: Not a flash in the pan for neuroscience
Neuroscience is still a young science. Optogenetics provides an intriguing way to explore what’s going on inside our brains.