We recently applied DigiGait to the study of mice with a mutation in the gene that encodes transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF- β3), a murine model of a rare condition, first reported in young Ms. Bea Rienhoff. Bea’s symptoms include postural abnormalities and low muscle mass. DigiGait was designed to identify, in mice, subtle deficiencies in strength, balance, and coordination that are often present with rare diseases. The animals were provided to the Mouse Specifics team by Thomas Doetschman’s laboratory at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

In our effort to identify subtle differences, the mice were not only studied under normal walking conditions [akin to Bea’s walk to her playground], but also challenged by pulling a weighted sled, to anticipate what changes might affect Bea under more strenuous conditions.  Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker, Kori Feener, visited our facility in Framingham, MA, to witness our efforts to identify features of gait that could aid in better understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of neuromuscular changes that may develop in Bea and others with such rare genetic conditions.  Kori’s film Bea will not only be an inspiring coming-of-age film about growing up with a rare disease and the importance of family advocacy, but also a testament to the fruits of crowd funding, academic collaboration, and 21st century neuroscience technology.

More information about Bea’s condition:

Father’s genetic quest pays off

Learn more about Kori’s film

Dr. Thomas Hampton (MSI-CEO, right) demonstrates DigiGait, imaging and analyzing mice with rare diseases, with independent filmmaker Ms. Kori Feener. 

Dr. Thomas Hampton (MSI-CEO, right) demonstrates DigiGait, imaging and analyzing mice with rare diseases, with independent filmmaker Ms. Kori Feener.