Who studies mice? - briefly
Researchers in genetics, neuroscience, immunology, pharmacology and related biomedical disciplines use mice as primary «model organisms». Veterinary scientists and laboratory‑animal technicians also conduct research involving mice.
Who studies mice? - in detail
Researchers investigating rodents work in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Geneticists examine mouse genomes to identify genes linked to disease. Neuroscientists record neuronal activity to understand brain circuitry. Immunologists test immune responses using mouse models of infection and autoimmunity. Pharmacologists evaluate drug efficacy and safety before clinical trials. Behavioral scientists assess learning, memory, and social interaction in controlled environments. Toxicologists measure the impact of chemicals on organ systems. Disease model specialists create transgenic or knockout lines to replicate human conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Institutions that employ these specialists include:
- University departments of biology, medicine, and psychology
- Dedicated research centers such as the National Institutes of Health and the Jackson Laboratory
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing therapeutics
- Government agencies conducting public‑health surveillance and regulatory testing
Individual investigators often collaborate across fields. A molecular biologist may partner with a clinician to validate a genetic target, while a computational scientist processes large‑scale mouse phenotyping data. International consortia, for example the International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium, coordinate efforts to generate and share standardized mouse lines.
Funding sources support the work of these scientists. Grants from national science foundations, disease‑specific charities, and industry partnerships enable the acquisition of animal facilities, breeding colonies, and high‑throughput screening platforms.
The cumulative output of mouse research provides insight into fundamental biology and informs the development of medical interventions. The breadth of expertise—from genome editing to behavioral analysis—demonstrates the extensive community dedicated to studying this model organism.