Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 14, 2010
23.6K
Deciphering gene-environment interactions through mouse models of allergic asthma
Saffron A G Willis-Owen1, William Valdar
1National Heart and Lung Institute, London, United Kingdom. s.willis-owen@imperial.ac.uk
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|October 18, 2008
Summary
Identifying genetic factors for complex human traits is challenging. Mouse models offer a flexible system to study gene-environment interactions, aiding in the discovery of susceptibility genes and alleles.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Environmental Science
- Animal Models
Background:
- Identifying genetic susceptibility genes for complex human traits is difficult, yielding few confirmed genes and alleles.
- Unrecognized environmental factors may moderate genetic contributions to disease, varying across populations.
- These environmental factors can include obvious (e.g., smoke) or subtle (e.g., study apparatus) influences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of mouse models for detecting gene-environment interactions.
- To explore how mouse models can overcome limitations in human studies of gene-environment interactions.
- To consider the limitations inherent in using mouse models for such research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gene-environment interactions in human complex traits.
- Analysis of the advantages of using mouse models for studying gene-environment interactions.
- Discussion of the challenges and limitations of applying mouse model findings to human populations.
Main Results:
- Mouse models provide a tractable system for investigating gene-environment interactions.
- They allow for controlled manipulation of environmental variables and genetic backgrounds.
- This approach can help identify novel susceptibility genes and alleles for complex traits.
Conclusions:
- Mouse models are valuable tools for dissecting gene-environment interactions relevant to human complex traits.
- Their use can accelerate the identification of genetic and environmental factors influencing disease.
- Further research is needed to address the limitations and ensure the translatability of findings from mouse models to humans.
Related Concept Videos
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
8.1K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
8.1K
02:43Mouse Models of Cancer Study
6.7K
Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
6.7K