knockout mice

Knockout mice are genetically engineered mice in which specific genes have been intentionally disabled or "knocked out." Scientists do this to study the function of particular genes by observing what changes occur in the mouse’s biology or behavior without that gene. These mice help researchers understand how genes influence health, disease, and development, providing insights that can inform medical research and potential treatments. The process involves precise genetic techniques to remove or deactivate targeted genes, making knockout mice valuable tools in biomedical studies.