Final answer:
The term "doogie mice" refers to mice engineered to express higher levels of NMDA-type glutamate receptors, used to study brain functions and neurological disorders. Research involving these mice contributes to understanding diseases like ALS and the development of targeted treatments for glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term "doogie mice" refers to genetically modified mice that have been engineered to express more NMDA-type glutamate receptors than normal. These genetically altered mice are often used to study various brain functions and diseases related to the glutamatergic system, including synaptic plasticity, neurodegeneration, and other neurological disorders. NMDA receptors are critical for synaptic signaling and plasticity, and alterations in their expression and function are associated with several neurological conditions.
Research using models such as "doogie mice" can help in understanding the role of NMDA receptors in diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), where downregulation of ADAR2, an enzyme crucial for RNA editing of AMPA receptors, has been observed in motor neurons. Antagonists targeting subunits of NMDA receptors, such as the NR2B subunit, are explored for treating neurological disorders to prevent glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. However, side effects in humans limit their clinical use, emphasizing the need for more targeted therapies. These insights help inform potential treatment approaches and underscore the importance of NMDA receptor regulation in neuroprotective strategies.