Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Author Spotlight: Deciphering Electrical Networks Behind Complex Brain Activities and Disorders
Published on: November 1, 2024
Animal models of monogenic migraine
Shih-Pin Chen1, Else A Tolner2, Katharina Eikermann-Haerter3
1Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taiwan Neurovascular Research Lab, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, USA.
Abstract:
Migraine is a highly prevalent and disabling neurological disorder with a strong genetic component. Rare monogenic forms of migraine, or syndromes in which migraine frequently occurs, help scientists to unravel pathogenetic mechanisms of migraine and its comorbidities. Transgenic mouse models for rare monogenic mutations causing familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and familial advanced sleep-phase syndrome (FASPS), have been created. Here, we review the current state of research using these mutant mice. We also discuss how currently available experimental approaches, including epigenetic studies, biomolecular analysis and optogenetic technologies, can be used for characterization of migraine genes to further unravel the functional and molecular pathways involved in migraine.
Insights
Rare genetic mutations causing familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM) and other neurological disorders are studied in mouse models. Research using these models advances understanding of migraine genetics and molecular pathways.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Migraine is a common and debilitating neurological disorder with significant genetic influences.
- Studying rare monogenic forms of migraine and related syndromes aids in understanding migraine pathogenesis and associated conditions.
- Transgenic mouse models have been developed for familial hemiplegic migraine (FHM), cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), and familial advanced sleep-phase syndrome (FASPS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current research utilizing transgenic mouse models for rare genetic migraine disorders.
- To discuss the application of experimental approaches for characterizing migraine genes and pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on transgenic mouse models for FHM, CADASIL, and FASPS.
- Discussion of experimental techniques including epigenetic studies, biomolecular analysis, and optogenetics.
Main Results:
- Transgenic mouse models offer valuable tools for investigating the genetic basis of migraine.
- These models facilitate the exploration of molecular mechanisms underlying migraine and its comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Research with mutant mouse models is crucial for unraveling the complex genetic and molecular pathways of migraine.
- Future studies employing advanced experimental approaches will further elucidate migraine pathogenesis.
