Origins of the Lab Mouse
The lab mouse evolved from a Victorian novelty to a vital biomedical research tool, contributing to vaccines and therapies, but reliance on limited strains poses risks and biases in research outcomes.
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The article discusses the evolution of the lab mouse from a Victorian novelty to a crucial model organism in biomedical research. It begins with French biologist Lucien Cuénot's 1905 experiments on mouse coat color inheritance, which revealed unexpected genetic patterns that challenged Mendelian laws. This led to further research by American scientists who established the mouse as a key tool in genetics and immunology. Over the years, mice have contributed to significant medical advancements, including vaccines and gene therapies. The article highlights the historical role of mouse fanciers in breeding and standardizing mouse strains, which facilitated their use in laboratories. Despite their advantages, such as genetic similarity to humans and ease of handling, reliance on a limited number of mouse strains poses risks, including potential biases in research outcomes. The article concludes by noting that while mice are invaluable in research, the limitations of model organisms must be acknowledged, as only a small percentage of drugs tested in mice successfully reach the market.
- The lab mouse evolved from a Victorian pet to a vital research tool in biomedicine.
- Lucien Cuénot's early genetic experiments laid the groundwork for using mice in scientific research.
- Mice have played a key role in developing vaccines and therapies, but their use comes with limitations.
- The standardization of mouse strains by hobbyists and researchers has ensured their continued use in labs.
- The reliance on a few model organisms can lead to biased research outcomes and challenges in drug development.
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