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Updated: May 31, 2026
Assessment of Kidney Function in Mouse Models of Glomerular Disease
Published on: June 30, 2018
Investigating mechanisms of chronic kidney disease in mouse models
Allison A Eddy1, Jesús M López-Guisa, Daryl M Okamura
1Center for Tissue and Cell Sciences, Seattle Children's Research Institute, 1900 Ninth Avenue, M/S C9S-5, Seattle, WA 98101-1309, USA. allison.eddy@seattlechildrens.org
Abstract:
Animal models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are important experimental tools that are used to investigate novel mechanistic pathways and to validate potential new therapeutic interventions prior to pre-clinical testing in humans. Over the past several years, mouse CKD models have been extensively used for these purposes. Despite significant limitations, the model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) has essentially become the high-throughput in vivo model, as it recapitulates the fundamental pathogenetic mechanisms that typify all forms of CKD in a relatively short time span. In addition, several alternative mouse models are available that can be used to validate new mechanistic paradigms and/or novel therapies. Here, we review several models-both genetic and experimentally induced-that provide investigators with an opportunity to include renal functional study end-points together with quantitative measures of fibrosis severity, something that is not possible with the UUO model.
Insights
Animal models are crucial for studying chronic kidney disease (CKD) and testing therapies. This review highlights mouse models, including unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), and alternatives for comprehensive research.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Translational Medicine
- Animal Models
Background:
- Animal models are essential for understanding chronic kidney disease (CKD) mechanisms and validating therapeutic interventions.
- Mouse models, particularly unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), are widely used due to their ability to mimic CKD pathogenesis rapidly.
- The UUO model has limitations, especially in assessing renal function and fibrosis quantitatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review various mouse models for chronic kidney disease (CKD) research.
- To discuss the utility of genetic and experimentally induced models.
- To highlight models that allow for comprehensive assessment of renal function and fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on mouse models of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Comparison of the unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model with alternative genetic and induced models.
- Identification of models suitable for evaluating both renal function and fibrosis.
Main Results:
- The unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model is a high-throughput tool for studying CKD mechanisms.
- Alternative mouse models offer advantages over UUO, enabling quantitative assessment of renal function and fibrosis.
- Both genetic and experimentally induced models provide valuable research opportunities.
Conclusions:
- A variety of mouse models exist for chronic kidney disease (CKD) research, each with specific strengths.
- Models beyond UUO are necessary for a complete understanding of CKD pathogenesis and therapeutic efficacy.
- Investigators can select appropriate models to incorporate both functional and structural endpoints in their studies.
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