[17] Mouse Lineages Flashcards
What topics are covered in the “Mouse Lineages” deck?
Various types of mice used in research, mouse genetics, breeding strategies, care and handling, and ethics/regulations
What are the main types of mice used in research?
- Wild type
- Transgenic
- Knockout
- Knock-in
What is a ‘Wild Type’ mouse?
A mouse that has not been genetically modified and possesses the typical genes of its species
What is a ‘Transgenic’ mouse?
A mouse that has been genetically modified to carry genes from another organism
What is a ‘Knockout’ mouse?
A mouse in which a specific gene has been deactivated or “knocked out”
What is a ‘Knock-in’ mouse?
A mouse where a specific gene has been replaced or inserted
What is included in the basics of mouse genetics?
Understanding of common mouse strains, their specific characteristics, and how to manipulate their genes
What are some common mouse strains used in research?
- C57BL/6
- BALB/c
- DBA/2
- NOD
Why are different mouse strains used in research?
Different strains have different genetic backgrounds, which can affect how they respond to certain experiments
What are some common breeding strategies for lab mice?
- Inbreeding
- Outbreeding
- Line breeding
How are lab mice properly cared for and handled?
By providing an appropriate environment, diet, and handling methods, as well as regular health monitoring
What is the importance of ethics and regulations in the use of lab mice?
They ensure the humane treatment of mice and the integrity of scientific research
What is ‘Inbreeding’ in the context of lab mice breeding strategies?
Breeding between closely related individuals to produce offspring with a uniform genetic makeup
What is ‘Outbreeding’ in the context of lab mice breeding strategies?
Breeding between unrelated individuals to increase genetic diversity
What is ‘Line breeding’ in the context of lab mice breeding strategies?
A form of inbreeding that maintains a high degree of genetic similarity to a distinguished ancestor
What are some key regulations around the use of lab mice?
- Animal Welfare Act
- Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Why is the ‘Animal Welfare Act’ important in the context of using mice in research?
It sets standards for the treatment and care of animals used in research
How does the ‘Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals’ impact the use of mice in research?
It requires institutions to establish oversight of the care and use of animals in research
What ethical considerations should be kept in mind while handling lab mice?
- Minimizing pain and distress
- Providing appropriate care
- Using the minimum number of mice necessary for valid results
Why are transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice important for research?
They allow for the study of specific genes and their functions, which can be helpful in understanding disease processes
