Disassemble the mouse into genes
The study of mouse phenotypes will cost 900 million dollarsCopper news
The International Association of Researchers has announced the launch of a global project aimed at an exhaustive study of the phenotypes (a set of genetically determined body traits formed under the influence of environmental factors) of laboratory mice, reports Nature (Mouse project to find each gene's role).
The goal of the 10-year project of the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) is to clarify the exact role of genes in the development of diseases. IMPC participants intend to grow generations of mice with "switched off" or missing genes in order to establish how these genome changes affect the formation of physiological and behavioral characteristics of animals. During the first five years, scientists plan to determine the phenotypes of four thousand mice with "switched off" genes.
The cost of the project is estimated at about 900 million dollars. The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) has agreed to provide financial support for research in the amount of $ 110 million. NIH Director Francis Collins also decided to allocate $11 million from personal funds to support the project. In addition, nine scientific institutes belonging to the NIH are planning to provide a similar amount.
Geneticist Mark Moore noted that, despite the high cost, the project to study the phenotypes of mice is far from the most expensive of genetic studies. He added that the project will pay off as soon as scientists manage to develop several promising drugs based on the results of phenotype studies.
Malcolm Skingle, a representative of the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, said that the pharmaceutical industry is ready to support IMPC research, but may refrain from direct financing of the project.
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