PATHBIO: an international training program for precision mouse phenotyping

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
• Comparative Pathology

Background:

• The increasing production of genetically engineered mouse models necessitates skilled personnel for identification, annotation, and validation (phenotyping).
• A significant shortfall exists in formally trained individuals to support this specialized area of biomedical research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the shortage of trained personnel in phenotyping genetically engineered mouse models.
• To establish a training program through the PATHBIO project, funded by the ERASMUS+ Knowledge Alliance program.
• To enhance Europe's biomedical research enterprise by increasing the availability of qualified individuals.

Main Methods:

• Organizing a series of expert-led, didactic, and hands-on teaching workshops.
• Structuring workshops into three modules: (1) embryology, anatomy, histology, and imaging, (2) image-based phenotyping, and (3) pathology.
• Offering workshops to participants of all levels, from graduates to Ph.D., M.D., and veterinary scientists.

Main Results:

• The PATHBIO project has been established to provide formal training in essential areas of mouse model phenotyping.
• Workshops cover critical disciplines including anatomy, histology, embryology, imaging, and comparative pathology.
• Participation is offered on a competitive, no-cost basis, with the first series held in 2019 and continuing for two years.

Conclusions:

• The PATHBIO project aims to bridge the skills gap in the phenotyping of genetically engineered mouse models.
• These workshops will increase the pool of qualified professionals in a crucial niche of biomedical research.
• The initiative supports the advancement of human disease modeling using genetically engineered mice.