tailieunhanh - Báo cáo y học: "Rat traps: filling the toolbox for manipulating the rat genome"

Tuyển tập các báo cáo nghiên cứu về y học được đăng trên tạp chí y học Wertheim cung cấp cho các bạn kiến thức về ngành y đề tài: Rat traps: filling the toolbox for manipulating the rat genome. | van Boxtel and Cuppen Genome Biology 2010 11 217 http 2010 11 9 217 w Genome Biology REVIEW L_ Rat traps filling the toolbox for manipulating the rat genome Ruben van Boxtel1 and Edwin Cuppen1 2 Abstract The laboratory rat is rapidly gaining momentum as a mammalian genetic model organism. Although traditional forward genetic approaches are well established recent technological developments have enabled efficient gene targeting and mutant generation. Here we outline the current status possibilities and application of these techniques in the rat. The rat in biomedical research The first drafts of the human genome were completed almost a decade ago 1 2 . Knowing the sequence however does not mean that we understand the code. To understand the function of the genome the use of genetic model organisms is crucial. Traditionally the mouse is the preferred mammalian genetic model organism owing to the relative ease by which its genome can be manipulated. By contrast the rat is more widely used in human physiology pharmacology neurobiology and toxicology studies 3 . Rats have also been extensively used to model complex diseases including cardiovascular disease by selective breeding for naturally occurring disease phenotypes 4 . One of the main advantages of using the rat for studying human biology is its relatively large size which facilitates experimental and surgical interventions 3 including in vivo imaging of neurons beneath the surface of the brain in a freely moving rat by mounting a miniature two-photon microscope on its head 5 . Furthermore rats are often preferred over mice for neurobiological studies because of their cognitive abilities. For example a recent study showed that neurogenesis and the maturation of newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus of rats are enhanced compared Correspondence Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research Cancer Genomics Center Royal Netherlands Academy of .