Transgenic Phenotyping Pathology

Charles River researchers are actively engaged with government and private sector functional genomics groups to develop a biologically-based, "high throughput" screening assay for evaluating gene function in support of protein and gene therapy products. One of the strategies for evaluating gene function involves the assessment of phenotype in transgenic and knockout mice. This strategy is based on recognizing newly discovered gene and protein functions, which are manifested as phenotypic alterations. Since phenotypes are expressed either as alterations in morphology, cell proliferation, or apoptosis, they may be detected using customized pathology-based tools such as histomorphology, immunohistochemistry, and in situ  hybridization, respectively. These tools also help characterize gene expression in embryos and fetuses from genetically-altered mice.

In addition to our standardized format, our pathologists have successfully devised a powerful gross and histological method for rapidly screening atypical morphology in transgenic fetal mice. Because this method relies on routine histological techniques, these tissues can be further analyzed with our other pathology-based tools mentioned above. Therefore, specific transgene governing functions are evaluated by the detection of changes in organ or tissue morphology, cell kinetics, novel or defective protein levels of protein products, and/or the assessment of messenger RNA in vivo.

What's New

Charles River and DSI to Co-Host Second Annual Safety Pharmacology Symposium and Workshop

Charles River Preclinical Services Announces Dates of 15th Annual Biotech Symposium

On-line Registration for the 2008 Charles River Short Course Now Available

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