A mouse model is a laboratory mouse that has been genetically engineered or otherwise manipulated to exhibit certain characteristics or conditions that mimic human diseases. These models are used extensively in biomedical research because mice share a high degree of genetic and physiological similarity with humans, allowing scientists to gain insight into the development, progression, and treatment of human diseases.
There are several types of mouse models used in research, including:
- Knockout Mice: In these mice, a specific gene has been “knocked out” or made nonfunctional. These models help researchers understand the function of the gene that has been removed and how its absence may contribute to disease.
- Transgenic Mice: These mice have had extra genetic material inserted into their genome. This can be a gene that is overexpressed or a gene that is not normally present in the mouse.
- Knock-in Mice: In these mice, a gene has been replaced with another gene. This allows researchers to study the function of the replaced gene.
- Inducible Models: In these models, a certain gene can be turned on or off at a particular time or in a specific tissue, allowing for more controlled study of gene function.
- Humanized Mice: These mice are engineered to carry human genes, cells, tissues, or even mini-organs, enabling researchers to study human-specific phenomena.
- Disease Models: These mice are engineered or treated to develop certain diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, etc., which allows for the study of disease progression and treatment.
Despite the tremendous utility of mouse models, they have limitations. Differences in mouse and human biology mean that not all findings will translate directly from mice to humans. Ethical considerations also need to be taken into account when using animals for research.
