The C57BL/6 mouse strain, commonly known as the “Black 6” or the “C57” mouse, is renowned for its ubiquity in genetic research. This strain is characterized by their dark, glossy coats, hence the moniker “Black 6”. Biochemically, these mice demonstrate a high susceptibility to diet-induced obesity, type 2 diabetes, and atherosclerosis, making them an ideal model for studying these conditions. Behaviorally, they can exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depressive-like behaviors compared to other strains. Their robust health, ease of breeding, and the availability of genetically modified lines have led to their widespread use in scientific research.
Discover the perfect C57BL/6 mice for your research. Explore detailed information, technical data, and pricing on our dedicated strain pages for:
The C57BL/6 mouse strain traces its origins back to 1921 when it was first bred by C.C. Little at the Bussey Institute for Research in Applied Biology, a part of Harvard University. The “Black 6” mouse derives its name from the breeding notation used by Little; ‘C’ stands for ‘Cold Spring Harbor’, ‘57’ is the strain number, ‘B’ represents ‘Black’, and ‘6’ signifies the substrain. These mice, known for their dark, glossy coats, have undergone numerous generations of selective breeding, cementing their status as a key tool in medical and genetic research.
The C57BL/6 mouse strain is homozygous for the H2^b haplotype on the MHC locus, a critically important genetic region for immune system function. This haplotype significantly impacts how pathogens affect these mice, making them a valuable model for immunological research. Furthermore, the C57BL/6 strain tends to have a relatively small litter size, usually producing only 5-7 pups per litter. This can be a limitation for large scale studies, but the consistent litter size also enables more accurate control of experimental variables. It is important to take these factors into account when planning experiments using the “Black 6” mouse.
C57BL/6 mice are invaluable to scientific research, notably serving as the first mammal to have its genome completely sequenced. This milestone, achieved in 2002, has opened new frontiers in genetic research, with the “Black 6” strain serving as a reference genome for the entire rodent lineage. This crucial groundwork enables researchers to pinpoint genetic mutations with unprecedented precision, accelerating the pace of discovery in various fields including oncology, neurology, and immunology.
Key characteristics of the C57BL/6 strain further enhance its utility in research settings. These mice have a notably high alcohol preference, making them an ideal model for studying alcoholism and addiction. They also exhibit specific auditory characteristics, including an early onset, high-frequency hearing loss. This makes them suitable for research into age-related hearing loss, a prevalent condition impacting millions worldwide. Additionally, the strain has been prone to a spontaneous mutation leading to retinal degeneration, providing a valuable model for human retinitis pigmentosa.
The propensity of the C57BL/6 strain to obesity and diabetes on a high-fat diet mimics the human metabolic syndrome, offering crucial insights into these widespread conditions. Their high susceptibility to atherosclerosis, particularly when fed a diet rich in fats and cholesterol, allows for the investigation of this significant contributor to heart disease. The C57BL/6 strain also exhibits a robust inflammatory response, making it an excellent model for studying autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
In conclusion, the unique characteristics and genetic tractability of the C57BL/6 strain have cemented its status as an indispensable tool in scientific research. Despite its limitations, such as smaller litter size and potential for spontaneous mutations, the benefits offered by this model vastly outweigh the challenges, underscoring the strain's lasting relevance in the biomedical research field.