Sticky mouse explained

Sticky mouse is a murine possessing a gene mutation in the enzyme alanyl-tRNA synthetase (AARS).^[1] The sticky mouse, with this particular mutation, presents a good model in which to investigate mechanisms of neuronal degeneration. Its most immediately obvious symptom is a sticky secretion on the mouse's fur (thus the name); however, it is accompanied by lack of muscle control, ataxia, alopecia, loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum, and eventually, death.

Sticky mouse is one of several animal mutants that are known to have problems in mRNA translation and are used in studies.^[2]

See also

• Wasted mouse (wst) - EEF1A2 defect
• Harlequin mouse
• Reeler - RELN defect
• Shaking rat Kawasaki - RELN defect

External links

• A sticky wicket - editor's summary, Nature, 2006
• Forward Genetics Reveals Novel Mechanisms of Neurodegeneration - free online videolecture by Ackerman SL.; June 2009
• 'Sticky' mice lead to discovery of new cause of neurodegenerative disease - Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 2006
• Susan L. Ackerman - bio at the Institute site

Notes and References

1. Roy H, Ibba M . Molecular biology: sticky end in protein synthesis . . 443 . 7107 . 41–2 . September 2006 . 16906138 . 10.1038/nature05002. 2006Natur.443...41R . 5998660 .
2. Scheper GC, van der Knaap MS, Proud CG . Translation matters: protein synthesis defects in inherited disease . . 8 . 9 . 711–23 . September 2007 . 17680008 . 10.1038/nrg2142. 12153982 .