Abstract
The Genetically Engineered Mice Handbook effectively summarizes commonly used and emerging technologies to generate, characterize, and conduct research on genetically engineered mice. The material and contributors derive from a series of meetings in Japan, Sweden, and the United States, with contributions by more than 50 authors from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Thus, it provides a broad multinational perspective on the use of genetically engineered mice for functional genomics research. The text is well organized and highly informative, and it provides access and navigation information for vast Internet, repository, and database resources. Important features of this book include an international perspective on generating, archiving, and sharing the mice, and the immense quantities of data derived from them, as well as expression of serious scientific concerns regarding genetic background and microbial influences on phenotypes and other data derived from genetically engineered mice, with strategies and resources for addressing these concerns. Historical perspectives and legal issues regarding mouse mutagenesis and research on mutant mice are interesting and welcome contributions. For a modest price and size, this is a comprehensive reference work with great utility for scientists, pathologists, and veterinarians who work with genetically engineered mice. It reflects international collaborative efforts that contribute to functional genomics research, and it would be welcome in other areas. Highlights include:
Mutant mouse repositories and genetic resource information in different countries.
Mouse genome informatics: database access to phenotype data and challenges in informatics of phenotype description in mutant mice.
Making mutant mice, including somatic cell nuclear transfer and cloning, gene trapping.
Biologic methods for archiving and maintaining mutant mice.
Genetic monitoring.
Diseases and microbiologic monitoring.
Effect of intestinal flora on phenotype.
Phenotyping strategies.
Examples: colon cancer, endocrinopathy, and developmental biology.