Organisms

Knockout Mice

Strains of mice in which certain GENES of their GENOMES have been disrupted, or knocked-out. To produce knockouts, using RECOMBINANT DNA technology, the normal DNA sequence of the gene being studied is altered to prevent synthesis of a normal gene product. Cloned cells in which this DNA alteration is successful are then injected into mouse EMBRYOS to produce chimeric mice. The chimeric mice are then bred to yield a strain in which all the cells of the mouse contain the disrupted gene. Knockout mice are used as EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS for diseases (DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL) and to clarify the functions of the genes.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Strains of mice in which certain GENES of their GENOMES have been disrupted, or knocked-out. To produce knockouts, using RECOMBINANT DNA technology, the normal DNA sequence of the gene being studied is altered to prevent synthesis of a normal gene product. Cloned cells in which this DNA alteration is successful are then injected into mouse EMBRYOS to produce chimeric mice. The chimeric mice are then bred to yield a strain in which all the cells of the mouse contain the disrupted gene. Knockout mice are used as EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS for diseases (DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL) and to clarify the functions of the genes.

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Synonyms

6 entry terms
  • Mice, Knock-out
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mouse, Knockout
  • Knock-out Mice
  • Knockout Mouse
  • Mice, Knock out

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

18 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings abnormalities, anatomy & histology, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, classification, embryology, genetics, growth & development, immunology, injuries, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, physiology, psychology, surgery, urine, virology.

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Indexing Annotation

NIM no qualif when exper animal; do not forget also to check MICE

MeSH Record

History Note

94

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Mice (1992-1993)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. B01w.050w.050.136.500.500w
  2. B01w.050w.150w.900w.649w.313w.992w.635w.505w.500w.550.455w
  3. B01w.050w.150w.900w.649w.313w.992w.635w.505w.500w.800.500w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Knockout Mice. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D018345. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D018345
  2. Knockout Mice. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knockout_mouse
  3. Knockout Mice. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1364740