This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 677, an undergraduate course at UW-Madison.
Model organisms
Model organisms are organisms that can efficiently act as models of humans to be used in laboratory tests. Using model organisms is more ethically sound, cheaper, and faster than using humans for these tests. As the BTBD9 protein is so well conserved (Figure 1), all shown organisms in Figure 1 could function as a good model. The mouse and zebrafish BTBD9 genes are said to be orthologs of the human gene and therefore might be good model organisms for humans. The zebrafish biological process is also cell adhesion, however, the zebrafish BTBD9 mutant phenotype, or observable physical characteristics, has not been described [2]. On the other hand, the mouse has a more developed BTBD9 gene ontology than humans which might aid in understanding the involvement of BTBD9 in restless leg syndrome [2,3]. Additionally, the mouse phenotype of mutated BTBD9 has also been identified as restless legs [1, 3]. From the combination of a conserved BTBD9 protein and mutated pheotype, mice would be the ideal model organism for most BTBD9 studies.
Fruit flies BTBD9 homolog has also been successfully mutated to demonstrate a restless leg phenotype [4]. Fruit flies would be cheaper than mice and have a shorter life span, so would also be a nice model organism option, although they are missing the F5/8 C type domains and are not mammalian, like the mouse.
Fruit flies BTBD9 homolog has also been successfully mutated to demonstrate a restless leg phenotype [4]. Fruit flies would be cheaper than mice and have a shorter life span, so would also be a nice model organism option, although they are missing the F5/8 C type domains and are not mammalian, like the mouse.
References
[1] http://www.informatics.jax.org/marker/MGI:1916625
[2] http://zfin.org/ZDB-GENE-040704-39
[3] http://refgene.com/gene/179117
[4] Freeman, A., et al. (2012). Sleep fragmentation and motor restlessness in Drosophila model of restless leg syndrome. Current Biology 22, 1142-1148. DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2012.04.027
Header photo: http://compgen.unc.edu/wp/?page_id=99
[2] http://zfin.org/ZDB-GENE-040704-39
[3] http://refgene.com/gene/179117
[4] Freeman, A., et al. (2012). Sleep fragmentation and motor restlessness in Drosophila model of restless leg syndrome. Current Biology 22, 1142-1148. DOI 10.1016/j.cub.2012.04.027
Header photo: http://compgen.unc.edu/wp/?page_id=99