Mouse model

An overview of mouse models used in biomedical research

Template:Infobox laboratory animal

A mouse model is a laboratory animal model that uses mice (Mus musculus) to study human disease. Mouse models are invaluable tools in biomedical research due to their genetic, biological, and behavioral similarities to humans, as well as their ease of maintenance and breeding in a laboratory setting.

History

The use of mice in research dates back to the early 20th century. The first inbred mouse strain, the DBA mouse, was developed by Clarence Cook Little in 1909. Since then, numerous strains have been developed, each with specific genetic traits that make them suitable for studying various human diseases.

Types of Mouse Models

Mouse models can be broadly categorized into several types based on their genetic modifications and the purpose of the study:

Inbred Strains

Inbred strains are genetically homogeneous mice that have been bred over many generations to ensure uniformity. Common inbred strains include C57BL/6 and BALB/c. These strains are used to study the effects of genetic background on disease.

Transgenic Mice

Transgenic mice are genetically modified to carry foreign genes. This is achieved through the introduction of DNA into the mouse genome. Transgenic mice are used to study gene function and regulation.

Knockout Mice

Knockout mice have specific genes "knocked out" or inactivated. This allows researchers to study the effects of gene loss on physiology and disease. The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2007 was awarded for the development of knockout mice.

Humanized Mice

Humanized mice are engineered to express human genes, tissues, or cells. They are used to study human-specific diseases and drug responses.

Applications

Mouse models are used in a wide range of research areas, including:

• Cancer research: Mouse models help in understanding tumor biology and testing new cancer therapies.
• Immunology: They are used to study immune system function and autoimmune diseases.
• Neuroscience: Mouse models are crucial for studying neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
• Genetic research: They provide insights into genetic diseases and gene therapy.

Ethical Considerations

The use of mouse models in research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare. Researchers are required to follow strict ethical guidelines and obtain approval from Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) to ensure humane treatment of animals.

Also see

• Animal testing
• Genetically modified organism
• Laboratory rat
• Zebrafish model