Transgenic animals in cardiovascular disease research
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Published on: May 6, 2018
M Bader1, H Bohnemeier, F S Zollmann
1Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany. mbader@mdc-berlin.de
Insights
Transgenic models in rodents are advancing cardiovascular disease research by enabling genetic manipulation to study gene products. This review highlights key genetically modified animals impacting hormone and second messenger systems in cardiovascular regulation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and stroke cause significant global morbidity and mortality.
- The complexity of the cardiovascular system has historically limited research to whole-organism models.
- Transgenic technology offers new avenues for understanding cardiovascular regulation and disease etiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review significant genetically modified animal models relevant to cardiovascular regulation.
- To highlight the role of transgenic technology in identifying gene products affecting cardiovascular health.
- To summarize alterations in hormone and second messenger systems within these models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on genetically modified animals.
- Focus on rodent models (rats and mice) with genetic alterations.
- Analysis of studies involving hormone and second messenger systems impacting cardiovascular function.
Main Results:
- Genetic manipulation in rodents has successfully altered the expression of numerous genes.
- Identified specific gene products crucial for cardiovascular regulation.
- Demonstrated the utility of transgenic models in studying complex cardiovascular disorders.
Conclusions:
- Genetically modified animal models are essential tools for dissecting cardiovascular disease mechanisms.
- Transgenic technology facilitates the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.
- Further research using these models will enhance understanding of cardiovascular regulation and disease prevention.
Abstract:
Worldwide, the highest morbidity and mortality results from such cardiovascular diseases as hypertension, myocardial infarction, cardiac and renal failure, as well as stroke. Since the cardiovascular system and its regulation is quite complex, study of these disorders has been grossly limited to whole organism models. As a result, in recent years, transgenic technology has played a significant role in the discovery of specific gene products for cardiovascular regulation and disease aetiology. Genetic manipulation in rats and mice has altered the expression of numerous genes. In this review, some of the important new genetically modified animals (i.e. transgenic models) with alterations in hormone and second messenger systems involved in cardiovascular regulation are summarized.
