ABSTRACT
Since the 1990s,models of genetically modified mice(gene knockout,mutation or transgene overexpression) have been increasingly used in heart research.The findings from this class of murine models have contributed significantly to a number of research breakthroughs achieved in the last 15 years.Currently,the number of genetically modified mouse strains has been increasing steadily.These models that targeted a family or a functionally relevant group of proteins have formed systemic tools for research use.The database of mouse cardiac phenotype has been established.Meanwhile,the research methodology and strategic approach exploring mouse cardiac phentypes at molecular to in vivo levels have been mature.It is expected that the use of this class of genetically targeted mouse models will become increasingly important in future research.