How to learn new and interesting things from model systems based on 'exotic' biological species

摘要

The famous quip of Monod that "... anything found to be true of E[scherichia] coli must also be true of elephants" reflects the widely held belief that the attention and resources of researchers are most effectively focused on a few wisely chosen "model systems" (1). Considerations such as short generation times, facility of genetic manipulation, and the economics of husbandry have strongly influenced these choices. The first half of the 20th century, dominated by studies of physiology and biochemistry, saw a relative diversity of model systems. In the modern era, the limitations imposed by the availability of precious molecular resources such as antibodies or gene clones (and until very recently, of whole genome sequences) have keenly sharpened the emphasis on a few "mainstream" model systems. For mammals, in addition to the obvious emphasis on human studies, the mouse has emerged as the premier model.