Morphological Mouse Phenotyping

Morphological Mouse Phenotyping: Anatomy, Histology and Imaging is an atlas of explanatory diagrams and text that guides the reader through normal mouse anatomy, histology, and imaging. The book is targeted for mouse researchers and veterinarian and human pathologists, and presents a complete, integrative description of normal mouse morphology. Disease animal models are fundamental in research to improve human health. The success of using genetically engineered mice to evaluate molecular disease hypotheses has encouraged the development of massive global projects, making the mouse the most used animal disease model. Laboratory mouse populations are straining the housing capacity of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as public research institutions. However, the scientific community lacks sufficient expertise in morphological phenotyping to effectively characterize and validate these animal models. The mouse displays fundamental morphological similarities to humans; however, a mouse is not a man. Features more than 2,200 original images showing the anatomy, histology, and cellular structure of mouse organs Includes images specifically produced for this book in the Mouse Imaging Platform (Center for Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona) Offers an integrative vision of mouse morphology using correlative X-ray, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and ultrasound images Employs classical anatomical techniques such as conventional dissection, skeletal preparations, vascular injections, and histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopy techniques to characterize mouse morphology

Disease animal models are fundamental in research to improve human health. The success of using genetically engineered mice to evaluate molecular disease hypothesis has encouraged the development of massive global projects making the mouse the most used animal disease model. Laboratory mouse populations are straining the housing capacity of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as public research institutions. However, the scientific community lacks sufficient expertise in morphological phenotyping to effectively characterize and validate these animal models. The mouse displays fundamental morphological similarities to humans. However, a mouse is not a man. Here we present a complete and integrative description of mouse normal morphology. This book, basically an atlas, but also containing explanatory diagrams and text, guides the reader through normal mouse anatomy, histology and imaging, and is aimed for mouse researchers as well as veterinarian and human pathologists. More than 2,200 original images showing the anatomy, histology and cellular structure of mouse organs have been specifically produced for this book in the Mouse Imaging Platform (Center for Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona) In addition, correlative X-ray, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance and Ultrasound images complete this integrative vision of the mouse morphology Classical anatomical techniques such as conventional dissection, skeletal preparations, vascular injections, as well as histological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopy techniques have been employed to characterize the mouse morphology "

The aim of this volume is to provide a wide range of techniques and aspects of mouse retinal phenotyping and characterization. Chapters guide readers through morphological and functional properties of the mouse retina and techniques for the analysis of outer to mid-retina and mid- to inner retina. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Mouse Retinal Phenotyping: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

1. Introduction -- 2. Phenotyping -- 3. Necropsy and histology -- 4. Mammary Gland -- 5. Skeletal System -- 6. Nose, sinus, pharynx and larynx -- 7. Oral cavity and teeth -- 8. Salivary glands -- 9. Respiratory -- 10. Cardiovascular -- 11. Upper GI -- 12. Lower GI -- 13. Liver and gallbladder -- 14. Pancreas -- 15. Endocrine System -- 16. Urinary System -- 17. Female Reproductive System -- 18. Male Reproductive System -- 19. Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues -- 20. Nervous System -- 21. Special senses, eye -- 22. Special senses, ear -- 23. Skin and adnexa -- Index.

With the completion of the human genome sequence in 2003, efforts have shifted towards elucidating gene function. Such phenotypic investigations are aided by advances in techniques for genetic modification of mice, with whom we share ~99% of genes. Mice are key models for both examination of basic gene function and translational study of human conditions. Furthering these efforts, ambitious programmes are underway to produce knockout mice for the ~25,000 mouse genes. In the coming years, methods to rapidly phenotype mouse morphology will be in great demand. This thesis demonstrates the development of non-invasive microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (\muMRI) methods for high-resolution ex-vivo phenotyping of mouse embryo and mouse brain morphology. It then goes on to show the application of computational atlasing techniques to these datasets, enabling automated analysis of phenotype. First, the issue of image quality in high-throughput embryo MRI was addressed. After investigating preparation and imaging parameters, substantial gains in signal- and contrast-to-noise were achieved. This protocol was applied to a study of Chd7+/- mice (a model of CHARGE syndrome), identifying cardiac defects. Combining this protocol with automated segmentation-propagation techniques, phenotypic differences were shown between three groups of mice in a volumetric analysis involving a number of organ systems. Focussing on the mouse brain, the optimal preparation and imaging parameters to maximise image quality and structural contrast were investigated, producing a high-resolution in-skull imaging protocol. Enhanced delineation of hippocampal and cerebellar structures was observed, correlating well to detailed histological comparisons. Subsequently this protocol was applied to a phenotypic investigation of the Tc1 model of Down syndrome. Using both visual inspection and automated, tensor based morphometry, novel phenotypic findings were identified in brain and inner ear structures. It is hoped that a combination of \muMRI with computational analysis techniques, as presented in this work, may help ease the burden of current phenotyping efforts.

Leading experts in the use of MRI explain its basic principles and demonstrate its power to understand biological processes with numerous cutting-edge applications. To illustrate its capability to reveal exquisite anatomical detail, the authors discuss MRI applications to developmental biology, mouse phenotyping, and fiber architecture. MRI can also provide information about organ and tissue function based on endogenous cantrast mechanisms. Examples of brain, kidney, and cardiac function are included, as well as applications to neuro and tumor pathophysiology. In addition, the volume demonstrates the use of exogenous contrast material in functional assessment of the lung, noninvasive evaluation of tissue pH, the imaging of metabolic activity or gene expression that occur on a molecular level, and cellular labeling using superparamagnetic iron oxide contrast agents.

The second edition of Comparative Anatomy and Histology is aimed at the new rodent investigator as well as medical and veterinary pathologists who need to expand their knowledge base into comparative anatomy and histology. It guides the reader through normal mouse and rat anatomy and histology using direct comparison to the human. The side by side comparison of mouse, rat, and human tissues highlight the unique biology of the rodents, which has great impact on the validation of rodent models of human disease. Offers the only comprehensive source for comparing mouse, rat, and human anatomy and histology through over 1500 full-color images, in one reference work Enables human and veterinary pathologists to examine tissue samples with greater accuracy and confidence Teaches biomedical researchers to examine the histologic changes in their model rodents Experts from both human and veterinary fields take readers through each organ system in a side-by-side comparative approach to anatomy and histology - human Netter anatomy images along with Netter-style rodent images

Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development: With Coronal Sections continues the stellar reputation of the original Atlas by providing updated, in-depth anatomical content and morphological views of organ systems.The publication offers written descriptions of the developmental origins of the organ systems alongside high-resolution images for needed visualization of developmental processes. Matt Kaufman himself has annotated the coronal images in the same clear, meticulous style of the original Atlas. Kaufman's Atlas of Mouse Development: With Coronal Sections follows the original Atlas as a continuation of the standard in the field for developmental biologists and researchers across biological and biomedical sciences studying mouse development. Provides high-resolution images for best visualization of key developmental processes and structures Offers in-depth anatomy and morphological views of organ systems Written descriptions convey developmental origins of the organ systems