With the completion of the human genome sequence in 2003, efforts have shifted towards elucidating gene function. Such phenotypic investigations are aided by advances in techniques for genetic modification of mice, with whom we share ~99% of genes. Mice are key models for both examination of basic gene function and translational study of human conditions. Furthering these efforts, ambitious programmes are underway to produce knockout mice for the ~25,000 mouse genes. In the coming years, methods to rapidly phenotype mouse morphology will be in great demand. This thesis demonstrates the development of non-invasive microscopic magnetic resonance imaging (\muMRI) methods for high-resolution ex-vivo phenotyping of mouse embryo and mouse brain morphology. It then goes on to show the application of computational atlasing techniques to these datasets, enabling automated analysis of phenotype. First, the issue of image quality in high-throughput embryo MRI was addressed. After investigating preparation and imaging parameters, substantial gains in signal- and contrast-to-noise were achieved. This protocol was applied to a study of Chd7+/- mice (a model of CHARGE syndrome), identifying cardiac defects. Combining this protocol with automated segmentation-propagation techniques, phenotypic differences were shown between three groups of mice in a volumetric analysis involving a number of organ systems. Focussing on the mouse brain, the optimal preparation and imaging parameters to maximise image quality and structural contrast were investigated, producing a high-resolution in-skull imaging protocol. Enhanced delineation of hippocampal and cerebellar structures was observed, correlating well to detailed histological comparisons. Subsequently this protocol was applied to a phenotypic investigation of the Tc1 model of Down syndrome. Using both visual inspection and automated, tensor based morphometry, novel phenotypic findings were identified in brain and inner ear structures. It is hoped that a combination of \muMRI with computational analysis techniques, as presented in this work, may help ease the burden of current phenotyping efforts.

The Handbook of Models for Human Aging is designed as the only comprehensive work available that covers the diversity of aging models currently available. For each animal model, it presents key aspects of biology, nutrition, factors affecting life span, methods of age determination, use in research, and disadvantages/advantes of use. Chapters on comparative models take a broad sweep of age-related diseases, from Alzheimer's to joint disease, cataracts, cancer, and obesity. In addition, there is an historical overview and discussion of model availability, key methods, and ethical issues. Utilizes a multidisciplinary approach Shows tricks and approaches not available in primary publications First volume of its kind to combine both methods of study for human aging and animal models Over 200 illustrations

This book describes the current status of the very rapidly developing field of high-field MR and examines the possibilities, challenges, and limitations of this fascinating technology. In the initial chapters, the basic technological background is explained in a non-technical way so as to promote understanding of the issues and concepts and avoid overwhelming the reader with excessive detail. Safety issues, methods, and contrast are then carefully considered. The final part of the book examines the diverse applications of high-field MR imaging in radiology, neuroscience, oncology, and other fields, with the aid of numerous high-quality illustrations. All chapters are written by leading experts who have taken great care to illustrate the potential and progress of the field in an informative and accessible manner. The book will appeal to all with a potential interest in the application of high-field MR imaging, including radiologists, neuroscientists, and oncologists.

Genome science or genomics is essential to advancing knowledge in the fields of biology and medicine. Specifically, researchers learn about the molecular biology behind genetic expression in living organisms and related methods of treating human genetic diseases (including gene therapy). Advances in Genome Science is an e-book series which provides a multi-disciplinary view of some of the latest developments in genome research, allowing readers to capture the essentiality and diversity of genomics in contemporary science.

The field of molecular imaging of living subjects have evolved considerably and have seen spectacular advances in chemistry, engineering and biomedical applications. This textbook was designed to fill the need for an authoritative source for this multi-disciplinary field. We have been fortunate to recruit over 80 leading authors contributing 75 individual chapters. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the field, the book is broken into six different sections: "Molecular Imaging technologies", "Chemistry", "Molecular Imaging in Cell and Molecular Biology", "Applications of Molecular Imaging", "Molecular Imaging in Drug Evaluation" with the final section comprised of chapters on computation, bioinformatics and modeling. The organization of this large amount of information is logical and strives to avoid redundancies among chapters. It encourages the use of figures to illustrate concepts and to provide numerous molecular imaging examples.

Guide to Techniques in Mouse Development, Part A comprehensively covers new technologies and methodologies that have appeared for the study of mouse development. Update of volume 225 of Methods in Enzymology, Guide to Techniques in Mouse Development, edited by P.M. Wassarman and M.L. DePamphilis and published in 1993 Covers new technologies and methodologies, including: new techniques for the cryopreservation of gametes and embryos production of transgenic and null (knockout) animals (use of ES cells) generation of conditional/inducible mutant animals use of gene-trap mutagenesis analysis of allele-specific expresion use of new reporter constructs humanizing of transgenic animals transcript profiling of mouse development imaging of mouse development rederivation of animals and use of mouse genomics