Current Protocols in Mouse Biology

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What's New in Current Protocols in Mouse Biology
Volume 3, Issue 1, March 2013

Mouse Colony Data Management
         Abstract | Full Text:  HTML   PDF

Genetic and Pharmacologic Models for Type 1 Diabetes
         Abstract | Full Text:  HTML   PDF

Establishment of Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) Models of Human Breast Cancer
         Abstract | Full Text:  HTML   PDF

Acute Asthma Models to Ovalbumin in the Mouse
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Sound and reproducible laboratory methods are the foundation of scientific discovery. Yet, all too often, nuances that are critical for an experiment's success are not captured in the primary literature but exist only as part of a lab's oral tradition. The aim of each Current Protocols title is to provide the clearest, most detailed and reliable step-by-step instructions for all protocols relevant to a given subject area. Written by experts in the field and extensively edited to our exacting standards, each article also provides invaluable discussions of background information, applications of the methods, important assumptions, key parameters, troubleshooting tips, time considerations, and more. Furthermore, Current Protocols content is thoughtfully organized by topic for optimal usage and to maximize contextual knowledge. Quarterly issues allow Current Protocols to constantly evolve to keep pace with the newest discoveries and developments.

Created by leading scientists in this rapidly evolving field and continuously updated to meet the needs of investigators, Current Protocols in Mouse Biology is the newest member of the Current Protocols family, bringing together resources in mouse biology and genetics. This title satisfies a great and growing need for a mouse protocol resource that covers all aspects of mouse biology under a "single roof". Readers will be able to find information that covers:

• The generation of mouse models
• Mouse husbandry, including the breeding and maintenance of colonies
• Clinical and molecular phenotyping of mice

The mouse is used in all aspects of biomedical research, from basic fundamental (development and mechanistic) studies to applied biomedical and pharmaceutical research. With the ongoing large international efforts 1) to generate knock-out (KO) mice and genetic reference populations (GRPs); and 2) to phenotypically analyze these mouse models, the importance and use of mice will definitely increase in the future.

Mice share essentially all of our genes, with complete conservation of primary biochemical and physiological pathways. Compared to other mammalian models, the genetic technologies for introducing mutations and functional analysis are by far the most advanced in the mouse. The mouse thus plays the dominant role in the current integration of genomic technologies with physiology. The ultimate goal of clinical and molecular phenotyping strategies is to gain insights into human physiology.

Scientists working within the context of large-scale international mouse efforts as well as individual researchers will benefit from Current Protocols in Mouse Biology as the standard reference for their day-to-day work in the complex arena of mouse biology. It also permits optimization of mouse model usage, which is significantly impacted by both cost and ethical constraints. Optimal and standardized mouse protocols ultimately reduce experimental variability and reduce the number of animals used in mouse experiments.

AREAS COVERED INCLUDE

• Ethical Considerations for Working With Mice
• Strains and Nomenclature
• Breeding, Colony Management and Archiving
• Techniques to Generate Mouse Models and Analyze Genetic Variation, including Homologous Recombination, ES cell technology, pronuclear injection, Cre/loxP, introduction of spatio-temporally controlled targeted somatic mutations, use of viral vectors such as adenovirus, AAV and lentivirus
• Clinical and Molecular Phenotyping of Mice
• Collection of Body Fluids
• Metabolic Exploration of the Mouse
• Hematology and Immunology
• Neuromuscular Assessment
• Exploration of the Cardiac System
• Exploration of the Liver and the Gastrointestinal Tract
• CNS and PNS Exploration
• Behavior Assessment
• Autopsy and Collection of Tissues
• Studying Cancer in the Mouse
• The Respiratory System in the Mouse
• The Skeletal System

EDITED BY: Johan Auwerx (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), Susan L. Ackerman (The Jackson Laboratory), Stephen D. Brown (Harwell Science and Innovation Campus), Monica Justice (Baylor College of Medicine), David D. Moore (Baylor College of Medicine), and Joseph Nadeau (Institute for Systems Biology)

Developmental Editor: Wenshuo Zhang

While the authors, editors, and publisher believe that the specification and usage of reagents, equipment, and devices, as set forth in this book, are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication, they accept no legal responsibility for any errors or omissions, and make no warranty, express or implied, with respect to material contained herein. In view of ongoing research, equipment modifications, changes in governmental regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to the use of experimental reagents, equipment, and devices, the reader is urged to review and evaluate the information provided in the package insert or instructions for each chemical, piece of equipment, reagent, or device for, among other things, any changes in the instructions or indication of usage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important in regard to new or infrequently employed chemicals or experimental reagents. Moreover, the information presented herein is not a substitute for professional judgment, especially as concerns any applications in a clinical setting or the interpretation of results thereby obtained.