IMPCs

IMPCs are global collaborations established to generate and phenotype knockout mouse lines for protein-coding genes in the mouse genome, in order to determine gene function through systematic phenotyping. These programs produce standardized models and provide a functional catalogue of mammalian genes to support human disease research.

Methods and scope: Knockout mice are created using targeted mutagenesis in embryonic stem cells or genome editing. Across multiple international centers, a standardized pipeline conducts comprehensive phenotyping that spans anatomical, physiological, metabolic, behavioral, and lifespan endpoints. Data collection follows controlled protocols and uses standardized vocabularies such as the Mammalian Phenotype Ontology. Phenotype calls are integrated with genotype data and cross-referenced to human disease genes where relevant.

Data and resources: Phenotype data and mouse lines are deposited in public databases and portals, including the project website and the Mouse Phenome Database, enabling researchers to explore gene–phenotype associations and access materials for follow-up study.

Impact and access: IMPCs aim to accelerate functional genomics by providing a publicly available resource that links gene disruption to observable traits, helping prioritize genes for disease modeling and translational research. The programs foster international collaboration and data sharing, and their results inform studies in genetics, development, physiology, and medicine.

Organization and challenges: The consortium comprises a network of academic and research institutions supported by public funding. Challenges include managing high-throughput phenotyping, ethical considerations, and interpreting pleiotropy and context-specific effects; some gene knockouts exhibit lethality, limiting downstream phenotype assessment.

See also: Knockout mouse, Genome biology, Model organism, Phenotype ontology.