Laboratory Animals: Usages in Genetic Research

Abstract

Laboratory animals are one on which advanced research is conducted and validated in labs for better understanding the natural phenomenon of biological system, genetics and disease models. Laboratory animals include mice, rat, hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, monkey etc. Lab animals play a vital role in biomedical research and genetic studies as they share common physiology and genetics, which resemble to a large extent with humans and thus make them excellent animal models and choice for various preclinical trial of drugs and vaccines. The use of lab animals for experimental purpose is not new and dates back to 16th century when William Harvey started animal experiments for his studies related to reproduction and blood circulation. Gregor Mendel, father of genetics, started his experiment on mice before he published his work of laws on inheritance in garden pea which is valid till today for most of the species of animals. The advances in molecular genetics and reproductive techniques like transgenic, gene knock out, biopharming, cloning, gene therapy and biomedical research has contributed tremendously to research and development in both human and animals. Moreover, knowledge, skills and hypothesis developed in animal genetics and laboratory animals studies together has made possible directly or indirectly, complete dissection of genetic basis of common diseases and genetic manipulation as an achievable challenge to explore and select best animals for desired characteristics in a more scientific and efficient manner.

Keywords: Application, biomedical research, genetics, laboratory animals

Cite this Article

Manoj Kumar, Poonam Ratwan, Vikas Vohra. Laboratory Animals: Usages in Genetic Research. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Life Sciences. 2017; 7(1): 14–21p.