Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

10:19
Generation of Genetically Modified Mice through the Microinjection of Oocytes
Published on: June 15, 2017
21.9K
Genetic engineering of mammals
1Division of Animal Sciences, Animal Sciences Research Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA. wellskev@missouri.edu.
Cell and Tissue Research
|December 4, 2015
Summary
Genetic engineering is now feasible in domesticated mammals, moving beyond mouse models for livestock fertility and human condition research. Selecting appropriate species models ensures accurate physiological and anatomical relevance.
Area of Science:
- Mammalian genetics
- Reproductive biology
- Animal models
Background:
- Historically, mice were the primary model for genetic engineering in mammalian reproduction.
- Advances in genetic engineering techniques have expanded capabilities beyond mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the expanded scope of genetic engineering in domesticated mammals.
- To advocate for the use of species-specific models in research.
Main Methods:
- Random transgene integration
- Homologous recombination
- Gene editing techniques
Main Results:
- Genetic manipulations previously limited to mice are now routine in many domesticated mammal species.
- Direct investigation of fertility in livestock is now possible without relying on mouse models.
Conclusions:
- Domesticated mammals are now viable models for studying fertility and human conditions.
- Model selection should prioritize species-specific physiology, anatomy, and size for accurate research outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
What is Genetic Engineering?
81.3K
Overview
81.3K
In-vitro Mutagenesis
17.6K
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.
17.6K
Transgenic Organisms
34.3K
Overview
34.3K
The Central Dogma
35.3K
The central dogma explains the flow of genetic information from DNA nucleotides to the amino acid sequence of proteins.
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is...
RNA is the Missing Link Between DNA and Proteins
In the early 1900s, scientists discovered that DNA stores all the information needed for cellular functions and that proteins perform most of these functions. However, the mechanisms of converting genetic information into functional proteins remained unknown for many years. Initially, it was believed that a single gene is...
35.3K
Synthetic Biology
5.8K
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary science that involves using principles from disciplines such as engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems biology. It involves remodeling existing organisms from nature or constructing completely new synthetic organisms for applications such as protein or enzyme production, bioremediation, value-added macromolecule production, and the addition of desirable traits to crops, to name a few.
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
5.8K
Cloning of Dolly the Sheep
9.0K
The first successfully cloned mammal was Dolly, a sheep, born on 5th July 1996 at Roslin Institute, Scotland. The cloned sheep was named after the American singer Dolly Parton. Dolly lived for seven years and died of respiratory complications, which is speculated to be due to the actual age of her DNA. Because the DNA in cloned cells belongs to an older individual, the cloned individual’s life expectancy may be affected. Indeed, analysis of Dolly’s DNA revealed shorter...
9.0K

