The present invention features a knock-in mouse comprising a mutation in an endogenous CRBN locus and methods of use thereof.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to synthetic regulatory systems composed of a multifunctional Cas nuclease, at least two guide RNAs (gRNAs) configured to target distinct nucleotide sequences, and a multilayered regulatory control element comprising ribozyme-based safety switches providing spatial and temporal control over the synthetic circuit in vivo.

Methods for alleviating symptoms in a Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) patient using adeno-associated viral (AAV) 9 viral particles encoding a wild-type human fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) protein (human FMRP). Also provided herein are methods to determine suitable doses of AAV9 viral particles for a FXS patient to alleviate at least one symptom associated with FXS, as well as methods for monitoring treatment efficacy.

Provided herein are methods of inhibiting tau aggregation in a cell or a subject, comprising administering a LEM domain-containing protein 2 (LEMD2), a charged multivesicular body protein 7 (CHMP7), or an inner nuclear membrane protein Man 1 (LEMD3) or a nucleic acid encoding the LEMD2, the CHMP7, or the LEMD3 to the cell or the subject. Also provided herein are methods of treating or preventing a tauopathy in a subject, comprising administering LEMD2, CHMP7, or LEMD3 or a nucleic acid encoding the LEMD2, the CHMP7, or the LEMD3 to the subject, wherein the LEMD2, the CHMP7, or the LEMD3 inhibits tau aggregation in a cell in the subject. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding LEMD2, CHMP7, or LEMD3 (e.g., in an expression construct and operably linked to a heterologous promoter).

Provided herein are methods and compositions related to the in vivo testing of therapeutic agents comprising a human Fc in genetically modified rodents (e.g., the testing of the pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic properties of such a therapeutic agent in genetically modified rodents). In some embodiments the genetically modified rodents express antibodies comprising a human Fc (e.g., a human IgG1 Fc, a human IgG4 Fc). In some embodiments, the rodents express fully human antibodies (i.e., antibodies having human heavy chains and human light (γ or κ) chains). In certain embodiments the genetically modified rodents comprise one or more Fc receptors with a human extracellular domain (e.g., a Neonatal Fc Receptor (FcRn), a β-2-microglobulin polypeptide (β2M), a Fc ε receptor 1 α (FcεR1α), a Fc γ receptor 1 alpha (FcγR1a), a Fc gamma receptor 2a (FcγR2a), a Fc gamma receptor 2b (FcγR2b), a Fc gamma receptor 3a (FcγR3a), a Fc gamma receptor 3b (FcγR3b), a Fc gamma receptor 2c (FcγR2c)). The transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of such receptors can be human or non-human (e.g., rodent).

Provided herein are methods and compositions related to the treatment of a neurodegenerative disease or an ocular disease.

A nerve in a mammal is optogenetically transduced, wherein the nerve is susceptible to stimulus by selective application of transdermal light, and a light source is applied to dermis of the mammal at or proximate to the optogenetically transduced nerve, to thereby stimulate the nerve. A wearable device for optogenetic motor control and sensation restoration of a mammal includes a wearable support, a power source at the wearable support, a controller at the wearable support and in electrical communication with a power source, and a transdermal light source coupled to the controller.

A pharmaceutical composition contains Nkx3.2 and a fragment thereof as an active ingredient. The Nkx3.2 and/or the fragment thereof inhibit(s) retinal degeneration caused by oxidative stress and preserve(s) visual function. In addition, the Nkx3.2 and/or the fragment thereof inhibit(s) cell death due to the oxidative stress of retinal pigment epithelial cells and inhibit(s) choroidal neovascularization and retinal edema. Therefore, a composition containing the Nkx3.2 and/or the fragment thereof as active ingredient(s) can be effectively used for preventing or treating retinal dystrophies or macular degeneration.

A mouse model may be used in evaluation of the change in intelligence level. The mouse model may be a mouse model with high intelligence level. The mouse chromosome of the mouse model with high intelligence level at least includes all or a portion of chromosome 1 originated from wild-type mouse. The evaluation includes performing a test which may be an open field test, sucrose preference test, water maze test, space exploration Y maze test, active avoidance Y maze test, and/or fatigue rotarod test.

The present invention relates to a Pde6b-deficient animal model of retinal degeneration produced by engineered endonucleases, and a method for producing the same. In the animal model of retinal degeneration according to the present invention, only a specific target gene can be removed using engineered endonucleases, so that mutagenesis can be stably achieved. In addition, it is possible to produce a congenital animal model through genetic manipulation at the embryonic stage rather than through acquired factors, which allows for production of an animal model that uniformly exhibits symptoms of the disease in question without being influenced by other factors.