The term "Inbred CFTR Mice" refers to a specific strain of laboratory mice that have been genetically modified to study cystic fibrosis. The pronunciation of CFTR is "see-eff-tee-arr," representing the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. The word "inbred" is pronounced "in-bred" and refers to the mice being the result of repeated mating between closely related individuals, resulting in a genetically uniform population. The spelling of this term accurately represents the pronunciation using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols.
Inbred CFTR mice refer to a particular strain or line of laboratory mice that have been selectively bred to carry a specific genetic mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, resulting in a phenotypic representation of cystic fibrosis.
The CFTR gene is responsible for encoding a protein that regulates the movement of chloride ions across cell membranes. Mutations in this gene can lead to the impairment of chloride transport, causing the production of thick, sticky mucus in various organs, such as the lungs, pancreas, and digestive tract.
Inbred CFTR mice have undergone several generations of extensive inbreeding, resulting in a nearly genetically homogenous population. This selective breeding ensures that most of the mice within the strain possess the same CFTR genetic mutation, leading to the consistent expression of cystic fibrosis-like symptoms. Researchers utilize inbred CFTR mice as a valuable model organism to study the pathogenesis, progression, and potential treatments for cystic fibrosis.
These mice serve as an important tool for understanding the disease at a molecular and physiological level, allowing for the development and evaluation of potential therapeutic interventions. By studying inbred CFTR mice, scientists can gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of cystic fibrosis and test the efficacy of potential drug therapies or gene editing techniques to alleviate the symptoms of this genetic disorder.