Headline: The Crucial Role of Genetically Modified Lab Mice in Advancing Medicine
Catalogues of Genetically Modified Mice: Unveiling the Unsung Heroes of Medical Progress
Genetically Modified Mice: Accelerating Biomedical Research and Breakthroughs
The Future of Lab Mice: Exploring Alternatives and Embracing Genetic Diversity
The Importance of Genetically Modified Lab Mice in Medical Progress Genetically modified animal models, despite some people finding the concept of “mice catalogs” unsettling, have played a significant role in advancing medical research.For over a century, mice have been extensively used in biomedical studies, to the extent that the scientific community has developed catalogs of mouse models for researchers to choose from. With a collection of approximately 13,000 different mice, the Jackson Laboratory for Mammalian Genetics boasts one of the largest mouse catalogs worldwide. These genetically modified mice have been instrumental in driving scientific progress, contributing to approximately 80-90% of our current understanding of biology.
The Significance of Genetically Modified Mice in Research Researchers rely on genetically modified mice for various reasons. Mice share over 85% of their genes with humans and can develop similar diseases, making them invaluable models for studying human biology and illnesses. Scientists create “humanised” mouse models by genetically modifying them to carry human genes or cells. These models have been instrumental in various fields, including the recent COVID-19 research, where mice were engineered to express the human version of a specific protein to study the virus’s effects. Genetically modified mice offer scientists the ability to manipulate specific genes, observe the resulting health or behavioral changes, and understand fine biological mechanisms without the interference of other variables.
The Versatility and Ethical Considerations of Genetically Modified Mice Mice, particularly the C57BL/6J strain, have become the preferred model for many researchers due to their fully sequenced genome and the ability to produce genetically homogeneous populations. Compared to other species genetically closer to humans, mice offer practical advantages such as shorter gestation periods, larger breeding numbers, and reduced ethical concerns. Scientists aim to limit the use of primates in research whenever possible, following regulations that discourage primate experimentation except in cases of severe human infectious diseases. Although other models like flies, zebrafish, and worms exist, mice have been the go-to choice for researchers due to their extensive knowledge, accumulated over 220 years, regarding their genetics, physiology, and biochemistry.
Exploring the Future of Lab Mice and Alternatives While genetically modified lab mice have undeniably propelled medical research, the future may see a shift toward alternative methods. Emerging technologies, such as synthetic biology and human tissue bio manufacturing, hold promise for reducing reliance on animal testing. Cell-based approaches, including the use of organoids derived from stem cells, show potential for drug discovery and development. However, challenges remain, as genetically diverse human cells pose difficulties in testing hypotheses, whereas animal models allow for standardization and controlled experiments. Researchers also emphasize the care and welfare of lab mice, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being throughout experiments. Ultimately, the future lies in striking a balance between embracing advancements in alternative methods and leveraging the unique contributions of genetically modified lab mice.
SOURCE: Ref: Camille Bello
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