The number of mouse models that are available for the study of human
genetic neurological disorders is large and growing rapidly. Therefore,
it was difficult to select the models that were reviewed in this volume.
Clearly, there are important models that are not discussed, and perhaps
a volume twice this size would have been more appropriate. Moreover, the
pace at which new models are being developed and analyzed is rapid. As
this volume goes to press, I am sure that additional mouse genes
responsible for naturally occurring neurological disorders are being
discovered and that many new transgenic and mutant mouse strains are
being developed. Therefore, this volume should not be viewed as a
comprehensive compendium, but rather as an update of work in progress.
It is exhilarating to witness the fast pace at which these models are
being established as important tools in the study of basic neuroscience
and neurological disorders. It will be even more exciting to see their
utilization in the development and testing of therapeutic interventions
for these diseases. I would like to thank each of the authors who have
contributed to this volume for their time and their expertise. I would
also like to thank Drs. Timothy Coetzee and Joshua Corbin for their
advice in the selection of the topics covered. I am deeply indebted to
Dr. Kunihiko Suzuki, who first approached me with the idea for this
volume, for his guidance throughout its preparation.
