Mouse, Rat or Cell?

PHENOMIN has expertise in mouse, rat and cell genome modifications: which model should you choose ? Our experts can guide you toward this choice but here are some facts that you could take into account.

The rat model offers better clinical characterization approaches than the mouse model in some cases

Because rats share many physiological similarities with humans, the rat has long been a model favored by physiologists, pharmacologists and neuroscientists.

Its larger size allows to perform several experiments and surgical procedures, to monitor physiological parameters that can be difficult or impossible in the mouse.

The rat is a key modelsfor cardiovascular disease studies: atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke models... Not only because of its larger size, but also for its physiology. By its ability to learn and accomplish sophisticated behavioral tasks, the rat is a relevant model for nervous system diseases.

Now, the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology opens a new area in rat genetics: as well as for the mouse model, you can request YOUR customized rat model for your OWN biomedical research.

Cell line modifications

PHENOMIN experts can induced genetic modifications in different cell lines.

Before considering the animal model, and usually to get fundings to create animal models, researchers realize a first test or proof of concept a specific cell line. This important step contributes to the respect of the 3 R rules which aims at reducing the number of used animals and at remplacing them when suitable - see our ethics dedicated page.

Usefull lectures

• Jacob et al., 2002, Rat genetics: attaching physiology and pharmacology to the genome.
• Cozzi et al., 2008, Use of genetically modified rat models for translational medicine.
• Aitman et al., 2008, Progress and prospects in rat genetics: a community view.