Laboratory Mouse in Biomedical Research

What is a nude mouse and why is it used in cancer research? Why do my mouse pups have a different coat color than their parents? What is a knockout mouse? Answers to these and more are in this introduction to the laboratory mouse, one of the most widely used models in biomedical research. We will explore the natural history and origin of the laboratory mouse; the ethics and regulations on the use of mice in research; the characteristics and nomenclature of commonly used mouse strains; the anatomy, physiology, and husbandry of mice; common mouse diseases and their effects on research; mouse coat color genetics and its relevance to human diseases; immunodeficient mouse models and their uses in research; and the technology for genetically engineering mice (e.g., transgenic mice). Hands-on laboratories will include mouse handling and biometeorology, necropsy and tissue sampling and anesthesia and surgery. Each student is expected to read research papers that use the mouse as a research model and give a presentation on a topic of their choice. Students interested in human or veterinary medicine and/or a career in biomedical research will benefit from this seminar. Class is limited to 12 students.