GeneticsoftheLaboratoryMouse.pptVIP

Genetics of the Laboratory Mouse David G. Besselsen, DVM, PhD University Animal Care The University of Arizona Molecular Genetics DNA (DexoyribioNucelic Acid) major component of chromosomes encode protein sequences (“genetic code”) RNA (RiboNucleic Acid) RNA produced from DNA via “transcription” RNA acts as messenger (mRNA) to transport DNA code from cell nucleus to cytoplasm where proteins are synthesized Protein synthesized from building blocks called “amino acids” produced via “translation” of messenger RNA (mRNA) each protein has one or more specific functions Gene Gene DNA sequence that encodes for a specific protein product gene “expression” means protein product is being made via transcription and translation (DNA to RNA to protein) Promoter non-coding DNA sequence linked to the gene cellular proteins bind to this sequence in a cell type specific manner and “turn on” expression of that gene specifies which genes are expressed in which cell types Repressor protein that binds to and “turns off” a specific promoter, thereby turning off expression of that gene Naming Genes No defined nomenclature system so very confusing named after gene function (often enzymes) Nos2, Sod1 named after size of gene product p53, p21 named after phenotype Apc, Rb, Mom1 many synonyms name may change when gene function identified (Min) single gene with multiple functions given multiple names Alleles DNA sequence variations within a specific gene when translated these sequence variations result in slightly different amino acid sequences therefore slightly different protein structures stuctural changes affect protein function, ultimately phenotype Numerous alleles may exist among a population for any given gene, an individual animal has only two alleles for each gene (one allele from each parent) “homozygous” = both alleles for a gene are identical, Nos2+/+ or Nos2-/- “wildtype” sometimes used to infer homozygous dominant, esp. in knockouts “heterozygous” = two different alleles for