In the German Mouse Clinic (GMC) we offer a standardized comprehensive phenotypic analysis of mouse mutant lines (MMLs) to the scientific community. In this multi-institutional approach scientists from the areas allergy, behavior, cardio-vascular, clinical chemistry, dysmorphology, energy metabolism, eye development and vision, host-pathogen interactions, immunology, lung function, molecular phenotyping, neurology, nociception, steriod metabolism and pathology work side by side. In 14 screens more than 240 parameters can be analysed from each single mouse yielding in a complete picture of the mutant’s phenotype, and answering the question of the gene’s function and its potential pleiotropic effects.
In the bone and cartilage module of the GMC we established a battery of standardized tests for primary, secondary and tertiary analysis of mice. Alterations in bone and cartilage development, growth and mineralization, modelling and remodelling as well as aging and immune system effects can be monitored. The techniques we use are anatomical observation, X-ray analysis, DEXA, pQCT, micro-CT, three-point-bend-test, blood based bone markers and cell culture. Baseline data and examples of mouse models for osteogenesis imperfecta and osteoarthritis will be shown.