Forward and Reverse Genetics to Model Human Diseases in the Mouse

To establish human disease models in the mouse, various forward and reverse genetics tools have been developed. New technologies, for example, high-throughput identification of novel mutations, gene targeting, and genome editing, in the mouse genome have made the forward and reverse genetics possible. Worldwide efforts including a variety of international consortiums have been producing many mutant mice with useful annotations for functional genomics to elucidate the mechanisms behind diseases. The resource centers and public databases have also been built to enhance their utilities. The modeling has started from Mendelian monogenic traits and has been expanding to more complex quantitative traits as well. Multidisciplinary integration among, for example, molecular, cellular and developmental biology, genetics, genomics, medicine, statistics, and informatics must be orchestrated to fully utilized the resources and knowledge of model mice.