ENU-based phenotype-driven screening

Abstract

Deciphering the contribution of individual genes and in turn pathways to cellular processes can be complicated and is often based on prior knowledge or assumptions of gene function. Phenotype-driven mutagenesis screens based around n-ethyl-n-nitrosurea (ENU) have been successful in a wide range of physiological systems in identifying novel genes that contribute to a given phenotype. Here, we describe methodologies we have employed in analysing cellular phenotypes in pipelines of mutagenised mice. Examples of primary screens to identify outliers, and secondary screens to provide a more detailed characterisation are outlined.