Gene targeting in neuroscience: the systemic approach

Article Abstract:

Neuroscientists are becoming aware of misleading data that may be produced from using knockout mice or mice strains in which a specific gene has been removed. They have observed cases in which other genes take on the functions of the absent gene, so that the organism does not phenotypically express this absence. Another problematic situation occurs when the compensatory effect produces a different effect due to the abnormal functioning of the helper gene. One alternative to studying interacting phenotypical effects is to reconsider genes as parts of larger organizational structures.

Analysis

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Mice, gene targeting and behavior: more than just genetic background

Article Abstract:

Geneticists are working to eliminate problems that may result from using mice that have been bred for the absence of one gene. These techniques involve backcrossing the mutant with an inbred strain, a strategy that may not totally remove donor genes. The methods also suffer in their dependence on only two data points, whether presence or absence of a gene produces one effect, instead of having multiple basis for comparison. Meanwhile, experiments with mice lacking the gene for epidermal growth factor revealed multiple genotype interactions.

Genetics

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Gene-targeting studies: new methods, old problems

Article Abstract:

Geneticists working with mice strains bred for the absence of one gene cannot guarantee that the observed behavior or phenotype is the effect of its genotype. This is because some genes remain which may compensate for the absence of one gene, or it may express the combined effects of its genetic background. Comparisons of a gene's absence in different backgrounds may be more insightful for researchers.

Behavior genetics, Behavioral genetics

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