The laboratory mouse is the premier animal model for studying human diseases. There is an immense amount of research done throughout the United States and around the world using laboratory mice. However, there are not enough well trained mouse pathologists available to interpret the tissue abnormalities that arise in mice that are experimentally manipulated, genetically engineered, in long term aging studies, or that develop spontaneous diseases. The goal of this annual workshop, currently in its 14th consecutive year, is to provide an intense, high level, interactive, five day training session aimed at the next generation of veterinary and physician pathologists who will work directly (as PIs and collaborators) and indirectly (as support pathologists) in the development and characterization of mouse models of human disease. Surrounding a highly productive and passionate core group of pathologists (the organizing team), we vary the program with a rotating group of pathology specialists and research scientists. Since The Jackson Laboratory is recognized as a unique institution that focuses on the genetics, biology, and pathology of laboratory mice, we will host this annual meeting in our seaside conference center. In the successive 3 years of this application, topics covered range from a variety of diseases, not just neoplastic, from those associated with aging to embryonic developmental abnormalities. Specific organ systems are covered, skin, bones, eyes, etc. to new technologies for creating genetically engineered mice. We are adding a bone biomethods one day workshop immediately after the meeting (not part of this application) to add depth to that area. The group of participants is kept small to maximize interactions between the faculty and attendees to encourage networking and collaboration. Our long- term objective is to develop a highly skilled cadre of comparative pathologists capable of interpreting mouse lesions and applying this knowledge to research and training programs at their respective institutions throughout the United States and beyond.
The laboratory mouse is a powerful genetic and biomedical tool that will continue to play a profound role in understanding the genetic basis and underlying pathobiology of human disease, including aging. Laboratory mice are also heavily used in predicting clinical safety and efficacy of new and existing therapies. Pathologists, skilled in interpreting changes in these mice, are needed to diagnose changes and determine the relevance of these events to human disease. Access to individuals with such skills is limited. To address this problem, we offer this workshop every year which is designed to hone the skills of DVM and MD pathologists in working with and interpreting the gross and histopathology in these mouse models. Training workshops such as these are, and will continue to be, absolutely required to develop the cadre of highly skilled pathologists that will be needed to translate and compare pathobiology in mouse models and humans.
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