Mouse embryonic chimeras: tools for studying mammalian development

Abstract
Embryonic chimeras of the mouse are well-established tools for studying cell lineage and cell potential. They are also a key part of the analysis of complex phenotypes of mutant mice. By combining embryonic stem cell technology, molecularly tagged mutations and sensitive cell lineage markers, chimeras can provide invaluable insights into the tissue-specific requirement and the mode of action of many mouse genes.