The Genetics of Bone Strength in Mice

Jonathan Vu and Robert Blank (Mentor), Endocrinology

The purpose of this study is to identify relationships between the physical
and genetic characteristics of bones in mice. The physical characteristics
include size, density, and the force required to break the bone, while the
genetic ones are the genes of the marker loci associated with the genes that
affect these qualities. This study uses strains of mice with reduced genetic
variation. The two strains of mice that are the most phenotypically extreme,
meaning those with the strongest and weakest bones, are crossed. The F2
generation from that cross is then analyzed. The results of this analysis can
be used to find which genotypes correlate with specific bone properties like
size, density, and failure load. The anticipated outcome of this lab is the
identification of the genotypes that affect bone strength in mice. The findings
may be useful in treating medical conditions that are related to bone
strength.
Why did you choose this research study?
I chose this research study because it is related into my course as a physical
science teacher and of course it fits into my field of interest as a person who
definitely likes science. Aside from that I also want to help in the
improvement of human race that is why my priority in conducting studies is
more on topics that could help and improve the human race and this study
on bone strengthening can hopefully improve the bone structure of human
because as we age our bones get weaker or get even damaged due to
physical environmental hazards that is why we need to take care of our
bones.
Give an overview of the study
This study is merely about the relationship of genetic and physical
characteristics of bones in mice and as well as testing the strength of their
bones in relation to treating medical conditions that are related to bone
strength in humans as well in animals.
What possible problems were encountered by the researchers in
conducting the study?
Some of the possible problems that the researchers may encounter in
conducting this study is the financial resources because DNA testing or
examination is too expensive especially for students who dont yet have
salary to fund this kind of research aside from that is the quantity of mice
that they will be using for they need to also buy these mice another thing is
the availability of equipments that they will be using to conduct their test
because there are some places wherein their laboratories and hospitals are
not that well equipped and they are not ready for this kinds of study just like
in rural areas.
If you would be the researcher what would you do to
improve/enhance the study?
If I will be one of the researchers of this study I may enhance this by giving
the specific gender of mice that we will be using either a male or a female
another thing is the age of those mice and as well as the kind of mice or its

specific species in order to be clear enough for other researchers that will be
reading our study.