The present invention provides vector constructs and methods for producing n on- human transgenic animals comprising within their genome a conditional target ed mutation within the glyt1 gene which animals could be further used to genera te transgenic animals which produce less or no active GLYT2 protein. Moreover, said transgenic animals producing less or no active GLYT1 protein, as well as methods of producing them, are also provided. The invention also relates to the use of these animals as a tool for assessing GLYT1 function and as a model for studying the effec ts of enhancing synaptic NMDA receptor function and for studying the susceptibilit y to compounds inducing psychotic behavior, and to methods for evaluating the in vivo effects of GLYT1 function and testing GLYT1 inhibitors for effects other tha n GLYT1- specific effects.
TRANSGENIC ANIMAL MODEL FOR GLYT1 FUNCTION