Mouse models for human deafness: current tools for new fashions.
Mouse models are one of the major tools used for discovery and characterization of genes for non-syndromic deafness in humans. The similarities between the mouse and human genomes, and between the physiology and morphology of their auditory systems, are striking. This article describes the latest mouse models, including spontaneous, 'knockout' and ENU (N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea)-induced mutants, and the recent discovery of modifier genes that are involved in mouse deafness; this discovery is leading the search for genetic modifiers for human disorders.
Ahituv
Nadav
N
Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
Avraham
Karen B
KB
D000818:Animals; D003638:Deafness / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004423:Ear / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics