A Researcher’s guide to rodent models of Down syndrome: Recent insights and translational perspectives

STAR Protocols 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mir Abbas Raza, Andrew Folz, Daniella Balduino Victorino, Zhuo Xing, Xu‐Qiao Chen, Xinxin Zuo, Leah K. Borden, Marie‐Claude Potier, William Mobley, Mara Dierssen, Masaharu Hiratsuka, Yasuhiro Kazuki
+11 more Kristy Welshhans, Michelle Maugham, Antonella Tramutola, Eitan Okun, Roger H. Reeves, Randall J. Roper, Y. Eugene Yu, Yann Hérault, Victor L. J. Tybulewicz, Elizabeth Fisher, A. G. Sathyanesan
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104717
Cited by: 1
References: 234

Abstract

Rodent models of Down syndrome (DS) have been transformative in identifying basic mechanisms underlying the effects of Trisomy 21 at the molecular, cellular, physiological, and neurobehavioral levels. Each model, with its unique genomic architecture, has advanced our understanding of the complex multisystem etiology of DS. The availability of multiple models necessitates the challenge of selecting appropriate models to address a particular scientific question, experimental design, and translational relevance. This primer guides the reader through the various rodent models of DS and the genomic and phenotypic effects they recapitulate. We also provide recommendations and strategies for using DS rodent models to enable effective and robust forward and reverse translational approaches.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Down syndrome and intellectual disability research Signaling Pathways in Disease Disability Rights and Representation

Publication details

Journal / source
STAR Protocols
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
7
Issue
3
Pages
104717–104717
Publication date
25 July 2026
Language
EN