Producing Mouse Genetic Models for Human Diseases

The scientific literature is replete with examples of the contribution of laboratory animal models to biomedical research. Indeed, they have been invaluable to the basic research support of fields as wide-ranging as immunology, reproduction, oncology, nutrition, infectious diseases, transplantation, cardiology, and anesthesiology (Report of the Council on Scientific Affairs, 1989). Due to recent advances in the techniques required for somatic gene transfer and in the ability to produce desired models for human heritable diseases, the stage is now set to extend the range of these areas of biomedical impact to include somatic gene therapy.