Model Organisms
This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What are model organisms?
Model organisms are species that can be used to study genes that are conserved. Since these genes are conserved, we can assume that they have a similar function in humans. There are some common features that make a species a good model organism, like easy and inexpensive maintenance, short generation time and a small, simple genome [1]. Depending on your research, some model organisms may be more beneficial than others.
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How do normal kidneys development?
In mammalian kidney development, the kidney goes through multiple stages of kidney development. Pronephros is the most simple form of kidney development [2]. Less complex organism still have this secretory system. The next stage in kidney development is mesonephros. Organisms such as reptiles and fish still have this secretory system. The last stage in kidney development is metanephros kidneys.
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Of the homologs of VHL, there are model organisms with all three secretory systems.
Pronephros: Drosophila Mesonephros: Xenopus , Zebrafish Metanephros: Humans, Mice, Rat, Chicken, Cow, Dogs |
Why should zebrafish be used as model organism?
Zebrafish are the most effective organism to study VHL. I chose them because they have a mesonephros excretory system. I feel this is important to study to this system because it requires the first transition in development. In addition, zebrafish are a great model organism for kidney development because it is easy to observed the phenotype. In the image to the right, the red arrow indicates where a kidney cyst has formed.
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References
- Griffiths, Anthony J. F. "Genomes and Genomics." Introduction to Genetic Analysis. New York: W.H. Freeman, 2015. 10-11. Print.
- Romagnani P, Lasagni L, Remuzzi G. Renal progenitors: an evolutionary conserved strategy for kidney regeneration. Nature Reviews Nephrology. 2013;9:137–146. doi: 10.1038/nrneph.2012.290.