The mouse model for atherosclerosis

The mouse model provides unique tools for studies of the complex environmental and genetic interactions underlying atherosclerosis. In particular, a great variety of inbred strains exhibit variations affecting lipoprotein metabolism, diabetes, obesity, immune regulation, and other processes relevant to the disease. The development of many genetic markers in the mouse has made it feasible to identify the genes contributing to these complex traits. In addition, techniques for gene manipulation in vivo are much more advanced in the mouse than in any other mammal. The application of these techniques has been particularly informative in the area of lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis.