Inbred Animal Strains

AbstractThere are four main genetic types of laboratory animal used in biomedical research animal breeding systems: inbred strains, mutant strains, closed colony and hybrid animals. An inbred strain is one created by at least 20 generations of brother–sister mating; members share a unique set of characteristics. Outbred animal strain is an antonym. The cloned animals are ultimate forms which are genetically identical. Congenic strain is produced from gene‐modified animals such as transgenic and knockout animals crossed to inbred strain for a precise analysis of modified genes. There are many disease model animals which are inbred to analyse the responsible gene of the target disease. For immunology, cancer research, transplantation technology and regenerative medicine, the usefulness of inbred animal strain is increased with the usage of embryonic stem (ES) and induced pluriopotent stem (iPS) cells. The quality control of inbred strain is made with genetic monitoring.Key ConceptInbred animal strain is part but main and key laboratory animals for fundamental biomedical research.It is produced by brother–sister mating but its ultimate form is a cloned animal in which all of the genes are identical.They are used for gene analysis and medicine as disease models.There have been many incurable diseases which are caused by gene dysfunction are now treated using the fundamental knowledge found in inbred disease model animal strains.The immunology and cancer research as fundamental medicine, and organ transplantation and regenerative medicine as modern medical technology have been advanced with its usage.The knowledge of cell therapy will be advanced with the usage of inbred animal strain.Before the application of ES and iPS cells for medical therapy, the fundamental research should be made on them.