Generating mouse models for biomedical research: technological advances.

Area of Science:

• Genetics and Genomics
• Developmental Biology
• Disease Modeling

Background:

• Traditional methods for creating genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are often time-consuming and complex.
• Advances in genome manipulation technologies are revolutionizing the creation and study of disease models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight recent technical advancements in mouse genome manipulation.
• To discuss how these new technologies facilitate the generation of GEMMs for human disease research.

Main Methods:

• Shift from conventional gene targeting via homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells to more refined zygote-based allele-specific manipulation.
• Increased use of programmable endonucleases (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9) for efficient and straightforward mouse genome editing.

Main Results:

• New technologies enable faster, simpler, and less costly generation of GEMMs.
• Researchers now possess advanced molecular tools for precise gene expression studies and functional genome annotation.
• Improved feasibility and ease of editing the mouse genome.

Conclusions:

• Modern genome engineering techniques have transformed the landscape of mouse model generation for human disease.
• These tools offer enhanced fidelity and specificity for studying gene function and creating relevant disease models.
• The field is moving towards more accessible and efficient methods for genetic manipulation in mice.