Our Impact

Brown mouse in laboratory
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Making a New Mouse Could Transform COVID-19 Research
U-M researchers have figured out how to solve a big problem in COVID-19 research: mice, unlike humans, are not susceptible to the disease. Phil King, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology, with the help of researchers in his lab and the U-M Transgenic Animal Model Core, is genetically engineering a new mouse that will allow scientists to study the effects of COVID-19 on various cell types. Once researchers know where the disease does most of its dirty work, they can begin to create targeted therapies.
Two U-M researchers look at slide in lab studying glioblastoma
Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Study Suggests New Approach to Improve Radiation Therapy Resistance in Glioblastoma
Laboratory research involving mouse models paves the way for a clinical trial to see if an FDA-approved drug used to prevent organ transplant rejection can work against these aggressive brain tumors.
X-ray image of human lungs
Monday, August 17, 2020 Oxygen Therapy Harms Lung Microbiome in Mice
To better understand the relationship between oxygen and lung bacteria, researchers designed a series of experiments in mice. When comparing two groups of genetically identical mice—one with bacteria and one without—the mice without bacteria were protected from oxygen-induced lung injury. Ultimately, the study could have implications for the treatment of reduced oxygen levels in critically ill patients.
Image showing pipette and colorful RNA tubes
Thursday, June 11, 2020 Looking to Mouse, Macaque, and Human Germ Cells for New Insight Into Infertility
Researchers are comparing the way genes are expressed in thousands of sperm-forming cells in mice, macaques, and humans to look for similarities and differences. This comparison provides clues about how sperm has evolved in mammals.
Technician wearing PPE conducts health check on mouse in germ-free facility
Wednesday, April 15, 2020 Identical Mice, Different Gut Bacteria, Different Levels of Cancer
A study conducted using U-M's germ-free mouse facility offers new clues about how the composition of the gut microbiome may contribute to the development of colorectal cancer.
Two black mice play in enclosure with enrichment items
Thursday, April 2, 2020 Mouse Model Provides Breakthrough for Potential New Treatment of Rare Childhood Epilepsy
U-M researchers have spent years developing mouse models that would allow for testing new therapies for rare developmental and epileptic encephalopathies resulting from a single genetic mutation. Their research now suggests that SCN8A encephalopathy could be improved with a treatment already approved for other uses.
3D render of antibodies attacking virus. Photo credit: Meletios Verras, Getty Images Pro
Monday, March 23, 2020 Antiviral Compound Studied in Mice Offers Hope Against Deadly Flu
A study in mice finds that a compound modelled on a protein found in bananas safely protects against multiple strains of the influenza virus.
Senior study author Jolanta Grembecka, Ph.D., left, with co-first author Hongzhi Miao, M.S. Photo by Leisa Thompson
Monday, March 2, 2020 Anti-Leukemia Compound Induces Complete Remission in Mouse Models
An anti-cancer compound developed at the University of Michigan has shown “profound” activity in mouse models against two subtypes of leukemia — representing up to 40% of patients — a U-M research team reports in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. A Phase I clinical trial, using a structurally related analog of the compound, also began enrolling patients in the fall of 2019.
Husbandry technician holds white mouse in germ-free facility
Friday, December 13, 2019 Germ-Free Mice May Hold New Clues for Better Treatment of Iron-Related Disorders
In a study involving germ-free mice, Michigan Medicine researchers have unlocked a mechanism behind how the body decides whether or not to absorb iron from the food–one that involves the trillions of bacteria in our guts known as the gut microbiome. What these intriguing findings suggest is an unconventional treatment for iron-related disorders, such as anemia.
A potent and selective degrader of the transcription factor STAT3 offers a new approach to a previously “undruggable” target.
Friday, November 15, 2019 U-M Compound Achieves Lasting Tumor Regression of Leukemia and Lymphoma in Mouse Models
A potent and selective degrader of the transcription factor STAT3 offers a new approach to a previously “undruggable” target. In a mouse model of leukemia, the degrader eliminated all of the tumors, with the mice remaining tumor-free for 60 days. In two mouse models of lymphoma, the drug eliminated all of the tumors for more than 100 days.

Pages