Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Laboratory of Integrative Biology
Teaching
Transgenic models in physiology – Faculty of Science, Charles University
The course “Transgenic models in physiology” (MB150P61) is planned for master and PhD students and extends basic molecular and physiolgy courses. The course is intended mainly for students who want to extend their knowledge about mouse models, modeling of human diseases in mice, and general principles of mouse phenotyping.
The dynamic development of transgenic technologies in recent years allows the study of functions of individual genes not only in the context of different cell types but also in the highly complex environment of whole organisms. The mouse is a classical mammalian model whose study has defined entire disciplines such as immunology, developmental and tumor biology, or stem cell biology. At present, laboratory mouse is the primary model in biological and biomedical research. The lecture provides a basic overview of transgenic models and their application in research. The principles of Mendelian genetics, epigenetics, gametogenesis and basic procedures for the preparation of transgenic models are explained in detail. The main attention is paid to the use of transgenic mice for modeling human diseases and their phenotyping, leading to the unravelling of the pathophysiological background of the disease. The ethical and legal aspects of research on transgenic models are also mentioned.
Syllabus
1.
Introduction to Transgenesis – Basic Principles and Strategies. Transgenic organisms.
2.
Molecular Genetics – Definition of Gene Function. Mouse genetics and genetic mapping.
3.
Epigenetics. Imprinting and inactivation of chromosome X.
4.
Gametogenesis, fertilization, human and mouse stem cells.
5.
Transgenesis I. BAC transgenesis. Binary transgenic systems. Conditional targeting and homologous recombination. Recombination systems.
6.
Transgenesis II. Design of vectors for transgenesis. Electroporation and selection. Preparation of chimeras / transfer to germ lines.
7.
Reporter mice and lineage tracing.
8.
Principles of mouse phenotyping. Prototypical mouse models and phenotypes.
9.
Modeling Human Diseases I. Muscular System.
10.
Modeling Human Diseases II. Gastrointestinal system.
11.
Modeling Human Diseases III. Nervous system, neurodegenerative diseases.
12.
Modeling Human Diseases IV. Cancer
13.
The CCP phenotypic platform. Ethical and legal aspects of animal model-based research.
