ABSTRACT

The recently completed sequencing of the human and mouse genomes has propelled research to focus on the study of gene function in normal physiology and disease processes. Transgenic mice have an extensive track record as powerful

tools for elucidating gene structure and function. Early transgenic mouse studies focused on genetic dissection of gene structure, with an emphasis on identifying genetic elements of genes that regulated cell-and tissue-specific expression. Over the past two decades, with the discovery of novel genes, the focus of transgenic mouse research has increasingly shifted toward examination of gene function. Technological advances currently allow direct manipulation of the endogenous gene to examine pathological effects in vivo.