Genetics in non-genetic model systems

The past few decades have seen the field of genetic engineering evolve at a rapid pace, with neuroscientists now equipped with a wide range of tools for the manipulation of an animal's genome in order to study brain function. However, the number of species to which these technologies have been applied, namely the fruit fly, C. elegans, zebrafish and mouse, remains relatively few. This review will discuss the variety of approaches to genetic modification that have been developed in such traditional 'genetic systems', and highlight the progress that has been made to translate these technologies to alternative species such as rats, monkeys and birds, where certain neurobiological questions may be better studied.

► Manipulating an animal's genome is a powerful approach to study brain function. ► Tools to manipulate genomes have been only been applied to a few species. ► We discuss the genetic tools developed in traditional 'genetic species'. ► We highlight the application of genetic tools to 'non-genetic' species. ► We describe tools available for genetic manipulation of rats, monkeys and birds.