Animal models
PTEN mutant animal models have been extensively studied across the academic community and others, with conditional PTEN knock-out models having been developed for several different tissue types. Each of these models has shown varied phenotypic outcomes and have provided insight into the broad functional role of PTEN highlighting its importance for normal tissue function. Many of these models, although not all, are commercially available. Included here are the mouse models that have been utilised in studies funded by PTEN Research.
In addition, PTEN Research is supporting the generation of new PTEN mutant animal models. Information regarding these models is not currently available, however, this page will be updated once these models are developed and available.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of all the available models, and there may be other tools that are more suitable to your research needs, each of which have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The Sahin laboratory at the Boston Children’s Hospital, US, have generated and characterised a novel neuron-specific Pten knock-out mouse model (Syn-Cre;Ptenf/f). These animals show an increased brain:body weight ratio and shortened lifespan as well as neurological phenotypes relevant to PHTS, such as synaptic and neuronal activity alterations, which are responsive to treatment with mTOR inhibitors. Molecular analysis data, including transcriptomic profiling, is also available for this model.
This project received funding from PTEN Research.
This mouse model can be requested from Mustafa.Sahin@childrens.harvard.edu.
Link to publication including generation and characterisation data: Sahin et al., 2025.