3.2.1 GAERS Rats
GARES stands for the “Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rat from Strasbourg.” GAERS is a strain descended from Wistar that simulates elements of AE, such as spontaneous bilateral, synchronous spike-wave discharges, SWDs, and behavioral changes [38]. Gain of function mutations in the CaV3.2 T-type Ca2+ channel, lacking in Non-Epileptic Controls, is associated with seizure genesis.
Advantages: An absence epilepsy modeling rat strain called GAERS has essential features like SWDs.
Disadvantages: Although the GAERS model benefits from gain-of-function mutations in the CaV3.2 T-type Ca2+ channel, understanding the specific genetic foundation and how it interacts with other genes and pathways can be difficult.