Phenotyping Mice With Skin, Hair, Or Nail Abnormalities: A Systematic Approach And Methodologies From Simple To Complex

May 2023 in “ Veterinary Pathology ”

John P. Sundberg, Robert H. Rice

skin grafts hair follicle reconstitution genetic mutations proteomic analysis mass spectrometry protein profiling novel proteins differentiation

Studysummary This article outlines methods to study the skin and its molecular traits, focusing on interpretation and techniques applicable to mouse models, including diverse assays and approaches like electron microscopy and large-scale lipid analyses.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document provides a comprehensive overview of methodologies for phenotyping mice with skin, hair, or nail abnormalities, emphasizing the importance of understanding genetic and phenotypic variations among different mouse strains. It outlines techniques from basic to advanced, such as skin grafts and hair follicle reconstitution, and stresses the need for standardized genetic nomenclature and systematic approaches to study disease progression. The document highlights the complexity of interpreting phenotypes due to genetic mutations and the necessity of using a sufficient number of mice for reliable results. It also discusses the use of proteomic analysis and mass spectrometry for protein profiling, the role of novel proteins in differentiation, and the importance of collaboration with dermatology experts to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

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