ABSTRACT
Rapid advances in the field of genetic engineering have led to a parallel “boom” in the number of transgenic mice generated. By combining new technologies in recombinant DNA with advances in cell and developmental biology, a host of novel animal models were developed that have specific skeletal defects. These models are useful for two majors reasons. First, many new models closely mimicking human diseases such as osteopetrosis or osteoporosis have been developed. Second, transgenic mice provide a critical test for the function of an individual gene
in vivo
. The results from these investigations have often been surprising, yet, have led to fascinating new discoveries about the role of individual proteins in the development and aging of bone tissue.
