Definition

Noun: 1. A laboratory mouse with a specific genetic mutation: A nude mouse is a type of mouse used in scientific research that has a hereditary condition causing it to lack body hair (nude appearance). 2. An immunodeficient research model: The defining characteristic of a nude mouse is a compromised immune system; it lacks a functional thymus, which prevents it from generating mature T-cells. This specific immunodeficiency allows it to accept transplants (like human cells or tissues) without rejection, making it invaluable for certain types of medical and biological studies.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The researchers implanted the human tumor cells into a nude mouse to study its growth.
  • Studies using the nude mouse model have advanced our understanding of cancer biology.
  • The nude mouse is essential for preclinical testing of new therapeutic compounds.

Advanced Usage

• "nude mouse model": This is a standard phrase in biomedical literature referring to the use of these mice as a system for experimentation.
  • The efficacy of the drug was confirmed in a nude mouse model of pancreatic cancer.

Variants and Related Words

• Athymic mouse: This is a more technical, synonymous term highlighting the absence of the thymus gland ( meaning "without," meaning "related to the thymus").
• Immunodeficient mouse: A broader category that includes the nude mouse and other strains with impaired immune systems.
• Foxn1^nu mouse: The formal genetic designation for the nude mouse, referring to the mutation in the gene.

Synonyms

• Athymic nude mouse (more precise synonym)
• Immunocompromised mouse (broader category)

Notes on Meaning

The term "nude" in nude mouse specifically refers to its hairless phenotype, which is a visible marker of its underlying genetic mutation. However, in a research context, the primary and most valuable meaning relates to its immunological characteristic (T-cell deficiency), not its physical appearance. It is a specialized term used almost exclusively in scientific and medical fields.

Noun

1. a mouse with a genetic defect that prevents them from growing hair and also prevents them from immunologically rejecting human cells and tissues; widely used in preclinical trials