Rat traps: filling the toolbox for manipulating the rat genome.
The laboratory rat is rapidly gaining momentum as a mammalian genetic model organism. Although traditional forward genetic approaches are well established, recent technological developments have enabled efficient gene targeting and mutant generation. Here we outline the current status, possibilities and application of these techniques in the rat.
van Boxtel
Ruben
R
Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Cancer Genomics Center, Royal Netherlands Academy of Sciences and University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Cuppen
Edwin
E
D000818:Animals; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D018390:Gene Targeting; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D016678:Genome; D023421:Models, Animal; D008957:Models, Genetic; D016296:Mutagenesis; D010641:Phenotype; D039904:Pluripotent Stem Cells; D051381:Rats / Q000235:genetics*