Laboratory for Experimental Mouse Genetics

The research of the Laboratory for Experimental Mouse Genetics is focused upon the study of the function of the multifunctional cell surface receptor, lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1). Via a novel application of recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) multiple knock-in mutation were generated in this receptor, especially in the intracellular domain of this receptor, effecting the interaction of the receptor with intracellular adaptor proteins and signaling pathways. By phenotypic characterization of generated knock-in mouse models carrying partial inactivated LRP1 and derived cellular models the impact of the introduced knock-in mutation on LRP1 functioning is analyzed, more specifically in relation to different diseases. Initially the research was largely dedicated to studying role of LRP1 in the development of atherosclerosis. Currently, the focus is on the functional role of LRP1 in Alzheimer’s disease.