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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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A Protocol for Using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to Identify the Appropriate Animal Model for Translational Research
Published on: August 16, 2017
Animal models of gene-nutrient interactions
1Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. reed@monell.org
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Animal models, particularly mice, are crucial for studying the genetic basis of food selection. Their shared food preferences and advanced genetic tools enable rigorous research into appetite regulation.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral science
- Genetics
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Human food intake is influenced by complex factors beyond nutrition and taste, including cost, culture, and social status.
- Studying the biological determinants of human appetite is challenging due to these confounding variables.
- Animal models offer a controlled environment to investigate the genetic and behavioral aspects of food selection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of animal models, specifically mice, in understanding the genetic underpinnings of food intake and appetite.
- To explore how genetic variations influence food preferences and eating behaviors.
- To complement human genetic studies by providing experimental rigor.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mice as a model organism due to their shared food preferences with humans and advanced genetic tools.
- Leveraging a well-annotated mouse genome (Mouse Build 37), RNA expression profiles, and diverse inbred strains.
- Employing genetic manipulation techniques, such as the Cre-lox system for tissue-specific gene deletion.
Main Results:
- Mice have been successfully used to identify genotypes associated with specific food preferences, such as sweet-liking.
- Ongoing research aims to elucidate the role of genetic variation in explaining human appetite variations.
- Animal models facilitate the study of genetic determinants of food selection with experimental precision.
Conclusions:
- Mice serve as a powerful model system for dissecting the genetic architecture of food intake and appetite.
- Genetic research in animal models provides valuable insights into human eating behaviors and preferences.
- The use of animal models complements human genetic studies, advancing our understanding of appetite regulation.
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