This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison. https://genetics564.weebly.com/
What are Model Organisms?
Model organisms are a variety or species that are used for research purposes. They allow researchers to follow a certain trait, mutation, disease, etc. with ease. [1] These model organisms have been used in a lot of prior research and often have had their entire genome sequenced. [2] Model organisms are chosen based on whether their research question can be answered through the organism's biology, the cost/benefit of using that organism, and whether or not there is prior related research on that organism. [3] The following two model organisms have been chosen for this study.
Discussion
For the study of DBT, the mus musculus will be used. Both have high homology and good alignment. The mouse has been characterized to show the phenotypes humans present in MSUD, including in urine samples. [5] The feeding phenotype can also be measured easily. Since symptoms present within the first days of life, mice still will have transparent skin. Therefore, whether or not they are eating is `visible to the plain eye (Figure 1). [7]
Although MSUD is a metabolic disorder, yeast will NOT be used. Yeast are often used in cell cycle and metabolic studies. [4] However, their homologous protein does not have high homology, does not align well, and would be hard to assay for the phenotypes of this disorder.
Although MSUD is a metabolic disorder, yeast will NOT be used. Yeast are often used in cell cycle and metabolic studies. [4] However, their homologous protein does not have high homology, does not align well, and would be hard to assay for the phenotypes of this disorder.
Assay of Model Organism
Mice will be assayed based on three characteristics: feeding behavior, BCAA levels in urine, esophageal tissue. Feeding behavior will be based on whether or not a milk band is present in the stomach; if there is no milk band, it indicates poor feeding. High levels of BCAA in urine samples indicate that the mouse has MSUD. Finally, esophageal tissue will be assayed for tissue damage similar to GERD. If a mouse has high BCAA levels, no milk band, and deformed esophageal tissue, then it will be considered DBT mutant with poor feeding. This is depicted in Figure 2.
References
[1] NIGMS. (October 2017). Using Research Organisms to Study Health and Disease. Retrieved from https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/Pages/modelorg_factsheet.aspx
[2] Wellcome Genome Campus. (March 2017). What are model organisms? Retrieved from https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-are-model-organisms
[3] Murphy, P. (n.d). Lecture 2: Model organisms. Retrieved from http://virtuallaboratory.colorado.edu/DEVO@CU/papers/pmby1101-lecture2-2013.pdf
[4] University of Iowa Department of Biology. (November 2014). Model Organisms. Retrieved from https://biology.uiowa.edu/model-organisms
[5] Homanics, G. Skvorak, K., Ferguson, C. et al. (March 2006). Production and characterization of murine models of classic and intermediate maple syrup urine disease. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579849?dopt=Abstract
[6] Friedrich, T., Lambert, A.M., Masino, M.A., and Downes, G.B. (2012) Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease. Disease models & mechanisms. Retrieved from: http://zfin.org/ZDB-PUB-111115-1
[7] 4.4 The Postnatal Period. Retrieved from: http://www.informatics.jax.org/silver/chapters/4-4.shtml
Images:
Header: closeup-two-vole-mouse-stands-260nw-774663241.jpg
Assay: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Brad_Bolon/publication/23679831/figure/fig3/AS:601637286580224@1520452915347/Neonatal-mice-postnatal-day-1-Relative-to-its-Clc-wild-type-littermate-left-the-Clc.png https://media.istockphoto.com/vectors/urine-test-vector-id495099954?k=6&m=495099954&s=612x612&w=0&h=UCor4LAlkUsFlpNcLpQDL1gB1r46H8u3IPt3pHaJ8ZI=https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Histopathology-of-mouse-esophagus-after-reflux-surgery-A-In-the-non-operated-control_fig3_26690937
All other images are linked
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
https://genetics564.weebly.com/
https://genetics564.weebly.com/