Transgenic NT-3 mice
Photos of two different lines of 6-month old transgenic mice that overexpress neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) in skeletal muscle. Top: Images of wildtype (left) and mlc/NT-3 transgenic mice. Bottom: Images of wildtype (left), low-OE myo/NT-3 (middle) and high-OE myo/NT-3 (right) adult mice. When lifted by the tail, wildtype extend their hindlimbs and digits. In contrast, all transgenic NT-3 mice retract their hindlimbs to the body and clench their paws in a "clasping phenotype". The lab is interested in how NT-3 regulates the function of neurons that are involved in reflexes from muscle.