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The use of mouse models to study epigenetics.
Marnie Blewitt1, Emma Whitelaw
1Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Melbourne, 3052 Victoria, Australia.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|November 5, 2013
Summary
Studies in mice reveal how epigenetic mechanisms influence traits. Research on specific gene alleles, like Agouti, has uncovered insights into gene silencing and epigenetic inheritance.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Epigenetics
- Mammalian Genetics
Background:
- Inbred mouse models are crucial for understanding epigenetics and phenotype determination.
- Murine alleles, such as Agouti, exhibit unusual expression patterns relevant to epigenetic studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of epigenetics in phenotype determination using mouse models.
- To investigate phenomena like variegation, epigenetic inheritance, and position effects.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of endogenous and transgenic murine alleles.
- Utilizing large-scale mutagenesis screens to identify novel epigenetic genes.
Main Results:
- Elucidation of gene silencing mechanisms and the probabilistic nature of epigenetic processes.
- Identification and characterization of new genes involved in epigenetic control.
Conclusions:
- Mouse studies, particularly those involving specific alleles, significantly advance our understanding of epigenetic regulation.
- Epigenetic phenomena observed in mice provide fundamental insights into gene expression and inheritance.
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