title: Genetic exploration of the role of acid-sensing ion channels.
abstract: Advanced gene targeting technology and related tools in mice have been incorporated into studies of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). A single ASIC subtype can be knocked out specifically and screened thoroughly for expression in the nervous system at the cellular level. Mapping studies have further shed light on the initiation and identification of related behavioral phenotypes. Here we review studies involving genetically engineered mouse models used to investigate the physiological function of individual ASIC subtypes: ASIC1 (and ASIC1a), ASIC2, ASIC3 and ASIC4. We discuss the detailed expression studies and significant phenotypes revealed with gene knockout for most known Asic subtypes. Each strategy designed to manipulate mouse genetics has advantages and disadvantages. We discuss the limitations of these Asic-knockout models and propose future directions to solve the genetic issues. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Acid-Sensing Ion Channels in the Nervous System'.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan. Electronic address: shinghonglin@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Shing-Hong
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 32054, Taiwan. Electronic address: weihsin@cc.ncu.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Wei-Hsin
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Taiwan Mouse Clinic, National Comprehensive Mouse Phenotyping and Drug Testing Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan. Electronic address: chih@ibms.sinica.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Chih-Cheng
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D062565:Acid Sensing Ion Channels / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D055786:Gene Knockout Techniques; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D010641:Phenotype
chemical_list: D062565:Acid Sensing Ion Channels
keywords: ASIC; Gene targeting; Knockout; Mechanotransduction; Pain; Phenotype