Gene Hunting

Thousands of genes and proteins work together in developing new life, yet often a single fault can cause serious problems. This mouse embryo has a lethal flaw in its heart – mutation of a gene called Brd2 prevented a wall forming between its ventricles. Researchers spotted the fault in a series of slice-like pictures captured using high resolution episcopic microscopy, assembled here in 3D. The DMDD project is building a library of mice with different gene mutations. Scientists scour the images looking for defects similar to human conditions – dramatic flaws, or maybe more subtle effects – this mouse has an abnormal nose and is missing eye muscles. Mice share around 95% of our genes, so each embryo hints at genes essential to human health and development. Mutation of Brd2, for example, produces a ventricular septal defect in mice – a similar defect can leave human new-borns with a 'hole in the heart'.

Written by John Ankers

John Ankers

Writer

A former researcher in systems biology, John is now an online biology tutor and professional coach supporting the wellbeing of scientists and NHS professionals. He's writing, too, of course.

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• Image/video courtesy of the Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders programme
• DMDD, a programme funded by the Wellcome Trust with support from the Francis Crick Institute
• Image/video copyright held by the DMDD
• Video published by DMDD on YouTube, August 2016