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Related Concept Videos

Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

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,...
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

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,...
In-vitro Mutagenesis01:16

In-vitro Mutagenesis

To learn more about the function of a gene, researchers can observe what happens when the gene is inactivated or “knocked out,” by creating genetically engineered knockout animals. Knockout mice have been particularly useful as models for human diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes.
Genetic Screens02:46

Genetic Screens

Genetic screens are tools used to identify genes and mutations responsible for phenotypes of interest. Genetic screens help identify individuals or a group of people at risk of developing  genetic diseases and help them with early intervention, targeted therapy, and reproductive options.
Forward genetic screens
Forward or “classical” genetic screens involve creating random mutations in an organism’s DNA using radiation, mutagens, or insertion of additional bases, which result in visible changes...
EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research01:21

EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research

Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
Mutations in Microorganisms01:18

Mutations in Microorganisms

Mutations are heritable changes in an organism’s genome involving alterations in the base sequence of DNA or RNA. These changes can influence cellular processes and phenotypic traits, potentially transforming the unaltered wild type into a mutant form. Such changes, termed forward mutations, are pivotal in shaping the genetic diversity of organisms.RNA viruses exhibit the highest mutation rates due to the absence of robust proofreading mechanisms during genome replication. In contrast,...

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Related Experiment Video

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In Vivo Modeling of the Morbid Human Genome using Danio rerio
12:31

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Published on: August 24, 2013

Evolutionary mutant models for human disease.

R Craig Albertson1, William Cresko, H William Detrich

  • 1Department of Biology, Syracuse University, 130 College Place, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA. rcalbert@syr.edu

Trends in Genetics : TIG
|December 26, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Evolutionary mutant models offer a novel approach to understanding human diseases. Studying natural selection in wild populations can reveal genetic factors underlying human health disorders.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Human disease modeling

Background:

  • Traditional laboratory animal models for human diseases have limitations.
  • Induced mutations are valuable but do not fully capture natural genetic variation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose and explore the utility of evolutionary mutant models for discovering genes and mechanisms contributing to human disorders.
  • To leverage natural selection in wild populations as a complementary approach to disease gene discovery.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of naturally occurring mutations in wild populations.
  • Comparison of adaptive phenotypes in evolutionary mutants with maladaptive human diseases.
  • Investigating the type and mode of action of naturally selected mutations.

Main Results:

  • Evolutionary mutant models can mimic human disease phenotypes.
  • Natural selection may favor mutations with relevance to human health and disease.
  • This approach has the potential to identify novel genetic factors and gene-environment interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Evolutionary mutant models provide a complementary strategy for human disease research.
  • Studying natural selection offers insights into the genetic basis of human health.
  • This approach can uncover new genetic factors and interactions relevant to human disorders.