A<unk> , or<unk> , is a genetically modified<unk>  (Mus musculus) in which researchers have inactivated, or "knocked out", an existing gene by replacing it or disrupting it with an artificial piece of DNA. They are important animal models for studying the role of genes which have been sequenced but whose functions have not been determined. By causing a specific gene to be inactive in the<unk> , and observing any differences from normal behaviour or physiology, researchers can infer its probable function. Mice are currently the laboratory animal species most closely related to humans for which the<unk>  technique can easily be applied. They are widely used in<unk>  experiments, especially those investigating genetic questions that relate to human physiology. Gene<unk>  in rats is much harder and has only been possible since 2003. The first recorded<unk>  was created by Mario R. Capecchi, Martin Evans, and Oliver Smithies in 1989, for which they were awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Aspects of the technology for generating<unk>  mice, and the mice themselves have been patented in many countries by private companies.
Knockout mouse
Seegene
NSG mouse
Human cloning
Vishnevsky liniment
SyncThink
FinnGen
Biobreeding rat