Analysis of Postnatal Mutant Phenotypes in Mice
- 1Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- 2Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- ↵3Correspondence: vep1{at}columbia.edu
Abstract
Viable homozygous mutant newborn mice may show effects of a mutation at any time during their development by exhibiting abnormal structure, function, or lethality. This overview guides the analysis of postnatal mice through gross anatomical assessment and the detection of visible phenotypes prior to weaning such as altered growth patterns, neurological problems, or abnormalities in movement or coordination. Advice on marking pups for identification purposes and providing adequate nutrition in the event of eating problems is given. After weaning and at the onset of puberty, different phenotypes may become manifest, including compromised growth and vigor and reproductive problems in males and/or females. Assessing infertility in each sex is addressed.
Footnotes
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From the Mouse Phenotypes collection by Virginia E. Papaioannou and Richard R. Behringer.
