Phenotype assessment: are you missing something?
OBJECTIVE
Phenotype assessment of genetically modified rodents is an essential component of animal model development and their eventual use. Described here is a paradigm to consider as we collectively pursue phenotype assessment of the constantly increasing number of genetically modified rodent models, as well as those with spontaneously occurring mutations.


METHODS
Review of past experiences and the literature provides useful examples to illustrate the principles described.


CONCLUSIONS
A practical approach to phenotype assessment can be divided into a primary level of assessment to find abnormalities, and a secondary level of more specialized assessment to quantify and evaluate the abnormalities detected. There are many subtle, but important phenotypic characteristics that can be markedly affected by the background genetics and environment of the animal being assessed.
Wood
P A
PA
Department of Comparative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294-0019, USA.
D042964:Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase; D044942:Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain; D000818:Animals; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007473:Ion Channels; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D010641:Phenotype; D051381:Rats; D011922:Rats, Mutant Strains / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D000071256:Uncoupling Protein 1
D002352:Carrier Proteins; D007473:Ion Channels; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D024101:Mitochondrial Proteins; D000071256:Uncoupling Protein 1; D044943:Fatty Acid Desaturases; D042964:Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase; D044942:Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase, Long-Chain