The city of Shanghai in China will establish a gene-modified mouse laboratory aimed at discovering new therapies for human diseases, particularly various forms of cancer.
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Gene-modified mice in the laboratory |
Construction is set to begin in early 2006 at the Zhangjiang High-Tech Park and is expected to be completed by March 2007.
The Shanghai Technology and Science Committee, along with the city’s Development and Reform Commission, plans to allocate approximately $25 million for this project.
Once operational, the laboratory will house around 150,000 experimental mice and must comply with very high standards to ensure the accuracy of the research.
For instance, the air quality will meet the standards set by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, and the temperature will be maintained year-round at approximately 20-25 degrees Celsius.
According to Mr. Wang Zhugang, Director of the Shanghai Laboratory Animal Research Center, the new laboratory will promote research on human diseases through the study of gene-modified mice. The existing laboratory has already produced over 100 types of gene-modified mice for research on human diseases, including hepatitis, leukemia, and obesity.
Experts indicate that about 93% of mouse genes are identical to those of humans.
