FVB mouse

The FVB mouse is an inbred strain of laboratory mouse (Mus musculus). It is characterized by several traits that make it useful in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of transgenic research and ophthalmology.

Origin and Characteristics:

FVB/N, often shortened to FVB, originated from a cross between outbred Swiss mice at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the 1930s. Selection for high fecundity (large litter size) led to the establishment of the inbred strain.

Key characteristics of FVB mice include:

• High fecundity: FVB mice are known for their large litter sizes, making them advantageous for generating large cohorts in experiments and for producing transgenic lines efficiently.
• Large pronuclei: The oocytes of FVB mice possess large, easily visualized pronuclei, facilitating microinjection of DNA for generating transgenic animals. This makes FVB a popular choice for transgenic research.
• Good breeders: They are generally considered good breeders, further contributing to their usefulness in research settings.
• Retinal degeneration: FVB mice are susceptible to early-onset retinal degeneration, making them a valuable model for studying various aspects of retinal diseases, including photoreceptor degeneration and vascular changes. The specific genes involved in the retinal degeneration phenotype in FVB/N mice are well-characterized.
• Albino: FVB mice are albino, lacking pigmentation in their skin, fur, and eyes.
• Susceptibility to tumors: Some studies have indicated a susceptibility to certain types of tumors, although this can vary depending on specific sub-strains and experimental conditions.

Applications in Research:

FVB mice are used in a wide range of research areas, including:

• Transgenic and Knockout Studies: Their ease of pronuclear microinjection makes them a common background strain for creating transgenic and knockout mouse models.
• Ophthalmology: Their inherent retinal degeneration phenotype makes them a valuable model for studying retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
• Cancer Research: Due to their susceptibility to some tumors, they are occasionally used in cancer research, though other strains are often preferred.
• Neurological Research: They have been used in some neurological studies, particularly those related to retinal function and degeneration.

Sub-strains:

Variations exist within the FVB strain, resulting in different sub-strains. The most common substrain is FVB/N, maintained at the NIH. It's important to consider the specific sub-strain when interpreting research results, as phenotypic variations can occur.

Considerations:

Researchers should be aware of the retinal degeneration phenotype of FVB mice when using them in studies, particularly if vision or retinal function is a variable of interest. Appropriate controls should be included to account for this inherent characteristic.