Genetically Engineered Mice Handbook

While mice have always been highly popular laboratory subjects, their suitability for genetic engineering has solidified their position as today's lab animal model of choice. However, their increased use in genetic studies has created a demand for input on phenotyping that is not always easily met. To improve the flow of information on the pathology of mice with spontaneous or genetically engineered mutations, prominent researchers organized a series of meetings. Recognizing other needs, the organizers gradually broadened their focus, until finally they expanded to provide an overview of the entire field of genetically engineered models. The Genetically Engineered Mice Handbook is an extension of those meetings. It offers an introduction for those entering into this area of research, while also serving as a resource for those presently employing mice as laboratory models. Highly comprehensive, this volume covers pertinent aspects of genetically engineered mice, including the use of models for developmental biology and the monitoring of laboratory colonies. With contributions from nearly five-dozen leading researchers, the text presents systematic approaches for analyzing mutant mice for specific medical applications, details a variety of methods for creating mutants and includes information that is particularly hard to access dealing with legal responsibilities. This essential reference examines commonly used traditional, as well as emerging, technologies To address the purpose of the original meeting, the Genetically Engineered Mice Handbook directs researchers to the best public websites, and offers instruction on how to use them. In the past, as their work dictated, researchers would seek out experts on particular organ systems. Now groups of experts work together to generate these websites, providing the latest data as well as discussions over points of debate. These sites do not eliminate the need for a trained pathologist, but they do provide reference materials for those lacking expertise in particular anatomic structures. They also offer much greater numbers of examples than are available in print, from which biomedical researchers can draw.

A transgenic animal is one that is genetically modified to carry genes from another species. Transgenic species can be raised to carry potentially useful genes from a variety of species. While the topics of genetic engineering and cloning are controversial, the reality is that these technologies offer tremendous benefits to society - from offering a framework for developing and screening medical therapies, to enhancing the safety and nutrition of the food we eat. One potential application of research into transgenic animal technology is the creation of domestic animals genetically designed to express a certain human disease and therefore serve as models for the study and treatment of human illnesses. Although many mouse models of human diseases are available today, such models in large domestic animals physiologically more similar to humans are sparse and critically needed. Further research in this field will undoubtedly uncover many more direct and indirect benefits of this technology. Transgenic animal technologies and the ability to introduce functional genes into animals have revolutionized our ability to address complex biomedical and biological questions. This well-illustrated handbook covers the technical aspects of gene transfer - from molecular methods to whole animal considerations - for important laboratory and domestic animal species. It describes methodologies as employed by leading laboratories and is a key resource for researchers, as well as a tool for training technicians and students. This second edition incorporates updates on a variety of genetic engineering technologies ranging from microinjection and ES cell transfer to nuclear transfer in a broad range of animal modeling systems. Contains a comprehensive collection of transgenic animal and gene transfer methods Discusses background and introduction to techniques and animal systems Teaches practical step-by-step protocols New section on analysis

The generation of genetically modified mice is absolutely crucial to gene function studies today, primarily because mice are genetically similar to man and because gene function studies in mice are in the context of a whole organism, making them particularly useful. In Transgenic Mouse Methods and Protocols, Second Edition, expert research explore current advances in the field through detailed laboratory protocols. Chapters provide a general introduction outlining how to deal with mice and how to generate transgenic mouse models, explore the generation of conditional and induced knockout and transgenic mice, and offer alternative routes to studying gene function in mice. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and state of the art, Transgenic Mouse Methods and Protocols, second Edition is the ideal guide for all researchers interested in the latest information about the production and analysis of transgenic and knockout mice.

This volume comprehensively covers new technologies and methodologies that have appeared for the study of mouse development. This volume is Part B of an update of volume 225, Guide to Techniques in Mouse Development, edited by P.M. Wassarman and M.L. DePamphilis and published in 1993. Comprehensively covers new techniques for the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos, production of transgenic and null (knockout) animals (use of ES cells), generation of conditional/inducible mutant animals, use of gene-trap mutagenesis, analysis of allele-specific expression, use of new reporter constructs, humanizing of transgenic animals, transcript profiling of mouse development, imaging of mouse development, and rederivation of animals and use of mouse genomics.

The generation of mutant mice raises many questions about the best means of phenotypic analysis, breeding, and maintenance. The answers are now available from two experts with a wealth of detailed knowledge never previously assembled in one volume. Informal and highly practical, this handbook provides step–by–step methods for troubleshooting experiments, from the basics of gene targeting through the analysis of postnatal effects.

17 years have passed since the first edition of the "Guide to Techniques in Mouse Development" (volume 225) was puolished. During this time development of technology used to investigate mouse development has not stood still, with enormous advances occurring in genomics, transgenic and ES cell methodology, and reprogramming, culminating with development of IPS cells. At both the cellular and molecular levels, a great many technological advances have been made that permit investigators to probe ever more deeply into all aspects of mouse development.

Handbook of Mouse Mutations with Skin and Hair Abnormalities presents 48 mouse mutations that are all available to the biomedical community. Many of the mouse mutations with dermatological diseases are reviewed and illustrated in detail. This popular reference book gives you a single source to use when determining which mouse mutation will best serve your needs as a biomedical tool for sophisticated research projects. The book also includes an overview of domestic animal genodermatoses to provide alternatives to mouse models that do not exist or to complement those that do. A detailed section written by renowned experts compares the biology of human and mouse skin and skin diseases in the areas of development and the use of animal models, mammalian genetics, keratin biochemistry, epidermal and hair follicle cycles and kinetics, cytokines and growth factors, keratinocyte culture systems, cutaneous carcinogenesis, cutaneous immune system, and skin changes associated with mutations of the endocrine system.

A transgenic animal is one that is genetically modified to carry genes from another species. Transgenic species can be raised to carry potentially useful genes from a variety of species. While the topics of genetic engineering and cloning are controversial, the reality is that these technologies offer tremendous benefits to society - from offering a framework for developing and screening medical therapies, to enhancing the safety and nutrition of the food we eat. One potential application of research into transgenic animal technology is the creation of domestic animals genetically designed to express a certain human disease and therefore serve as models for the study and treatment of human illnesses. Although many mouse models of human diseases are available today, such models in large domestic animals physiologically more similar to humans are sparse and critically needed. Further research in this field will undoubtedly uncover many more direct and indirect benefits of this technology. Transgenic animal technologies and the ability to introduce functional genes into animals have revolutionized our ability to address complex biomedical and biological questions. This well-illustrated handbook covers the technical aspects of gene transfer - from molecular methods to whole animal considerations - for important laboratory and domestic animal species. It describes methodologies as employed by leading laboratories and is a key resource for researchers, as well as a tool for training technicians and students. This second edition incorporates updates on a variety of genetic engineering technologies ranging from microinjection and ES cell transfer to nuclear transfer in a broad range of animal modeling systems. Contains a comprehensive collection of transgenic animal and gene transfer methods Discusses background and introduction to techniques and animal systems Teaches practical step-by-step protocols New section on analysis