Transgenic mice

Definition

Transgenic mice are genetically modified organisms that have had foreign DNA inserted into their genome, allowing researchers to study the effects of specific genes on health and disease. These mice are invaluable in genetic research as they can model human diseases, allowing scientists to investigate the underlying biological mechanisms and test potential treatments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transgenic mice are often created using a method called microinjection, where DNA is directly injected into a fertilized egg, leading to the incorporation of the new gene into the mouse's genome.
2. These mice can be used to study various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurological disorders, helping researchers understand how specific genes contribute to these conditions.
3. Transgenic mice also serve as models for drug testing, allowing scientists to assess the efficacy and safety of new therapies before moving on to clinical trials in humans.
4. The creation of transgenic mice raises ethical considerations, particularly regarding animal welfare and the implications of genetic manipulation.
5. Transgenic mice have played a critical role in many scientific breakthroughs, including the development of targeted therapies and the understanding of gene functions in vivo.

Review Questions

• How do transgenic mice contribute to our understanding of genetic diseases?
  • Transgenic mice allow researchers to mimic human genetic diseases by inserting specific genes associated with those conditions. This modeling helps scientists explore how those genes affect biological processes and contribute to disease progression. By studying these altered mice, researchers can gain insights into potential treatments and interventions that could be applied in humans.
• Discuss the techniques used to create transgenic mice and their significance in genetic research.
  • Transgenic mice are typically created using microinjection or gene editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9. Microinjection involves injecting DNA into fertilized eggs, which is then implanted into a surrogate mother. CRISPR-Cas9 allows for more precise modifications and is faster than traditional methods. These techniques are significant because they enable scientists to produce models that closely replicate human diseases, advancing our understanding of genetics and opening up avenues for new therapies.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of using transgenic mice in research and how these concerns can be addressed.
  • The use of transgenic mice raises several ethical concerns, including animal welfare issues related to genetic modification and potential suffering. To address these concerns, researchers must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring humane treatment and minimizing distress for the animals involved. Furthermore, ongoing discussions about the necessity and impact of such research can help balance scientific advancement with ethical responsibilities, ensuring that the benefits of this research justify its ethical costs.

Related terms

Gene Therapy: A technique that uses genes to treat or prevent diseases by inserting, altering, or removing genes within an individual's cells.

CRISPR-Cas9: A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for precise modifications to DNA, making it easier to create transgenic organisms.

Knockout Mice: Mice that have had specific genes intentionally disrupted or 'knocked out' to study the effects of losing that gene on health and development.