Mutagenesis strategies for identifying novel loci associated with disease phenotypes

The systematic identification of the function of all the genes in the mammalian genome is one of the major scientific challenges for the 21st century. A comprehensive insight into mammalian gene function will illuminate our understanding of the genetic bases of disease. Mouse mutagenesis is a powerful tool for the study of mammalian gene function. Most recently, a number of approaches employing the chemical mutagen ethylnitrosourea (ENU) have been utilised by mouse geneticists to deliver a substantial new collection of mouse disease models. The growing mouse mutant archive provides a powerful resource for the identification of novel genes involved with human genetic disease.