Transgenic mice

Transgenic mice are a type of genetically modified organism (GMO) that have had their genome altered through the introduction of a foreign piece of DNA. This foreign DNA, or transgene, is incorporated into the mouse's own genetic material, allowing it to be passed on to subsequent generations. Transgenic mice are commonly used in biomedical research to study the effects of genes on development, behavior, and disease.

History

The first transgenic mice were created in the early 1980s by Mario R. Capecchi, Martin Evans, and Oliver Smithies. Their pioneering work, which involved the use of embryonic stem cells to introduce foreign DNA into the mouse genome, earned them the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Creation

Transgenic mice are created using a variety of techniques. The most common method involves the injection of a transgene into a mouse embryo at the one-cell stage. The embryo is then implanted into a surrogate mother, who carries it to term. Other methods include the use of viral vectors to deliver the transgene, and the direct modification of embryonic stem cells, which are then incorporated into a developing embryo.

Uses

Transgenic mice are used in a wide range of research areas. They are particularly valuable in the study of human disease, as they can be engineered to carry genes associated with specific conditions. This allows researchers to study the effects of these genes in a whole organism context, and to test potential treatments. Transgenic mice are also used in research on aging, development, and behavior.

Ethical considerations

The use of transgenic mice in research raises a number of ethical considerations. These include concerns about animal welfare, the potential for unforeseen consequences of genetic modification, and the appropriateness of using animals in this way.

See also

• Genetically modified organism
• Genetic engineering
• Mouse models of breast cancer
• Knockout mouse

References

Transgenic mice Resources
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