Twenty-first century mouse genetics is again at an inflection point

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Genetics
• Genomics

Background:

• The laboratory mouse is a key model organism in biomedical research due to its genetic tractability and controlled experimental conditions.
• Mouse models have been instrumental in discovering and testing numerous human therapies.
• Genetic discoveries in mice often rely on genome-wide association studies comparing inbred strains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the evolution of methods for analyzing mouse genetic models of biomedical traits in the 21st century.
• To identify factors accelerating mouse genetic discovery.
• To explore how recent advances can enhance solutions for public health problems.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of mouse genetics methods before and after the genome sequencing revolution.
• Analysis of factors driving accelerated genetic discovery.
• Focus on studies with human translational impact or clinical relevance.

Main Results:

• The past 20 years have seen significant advancements in mouse genetics methodologies.
• Genome sequencing and computational power have accelerated the pace of discovery.
• These advancements hold promise for developing new therapies and addressing public health challenges.

Conclusions:

• Modern computational and sequencing technologies are enhancing the utility of mouse models in biomedical research.
• Continued innovation in mouse genetics is crucial for tackling 21st-century public health issues.
• Translational research using mouse models remains vital for clinical medicine and drug development.