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[The research applications of db/db mouse].
Jing Wua1, Hua-Min Wang, Jing Li
1College of Elementary Medicine, Hebei United University, Tangshan 063000, China.
Sheng Li Ke Xue Jin Zhan [Progress in Physiology]
|May 16, 2013
Summary
Db/db mice, models for type 2 diabetes, exhibit obesity due to leptin receptor mutations. Diverse Lepr mutations in rodents offer insights into metabolic and reproductive functions.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Endocrinology
- Animal Models
Context:
- Db/db mice are widely used models for type 2 diabetes, displaying obesity, hyperphagia, polydipsia, and polyuria.
- These phenotypes stem from spontaneous mutations in the leptin receptor (Lepr) gene.
- Genetic background significantly influences disease severity, notably in the C57BLKS/J strain.
Purpose:
- To review the discovery of the leptin signaling pathway.
- To detail the abnormal metabolic, reproductive, and immune phenotypes of db/db mice.
- To discuss research applications and phenotypic diversity of Lepr-mutated animal models.
Summary:
- Spontaneous Lepr mutations create various rodent models (e.g., db/db mice, Zucker fa/fa rats) exhibiting hyperphagia and obesity.
- These models show varied blood glucose levels, kidney damage, and reproductive capabilities, aiding Lepr function studies.
- The review covers Lepr mutation patterns and phenotypic diversity across these valuable research tools.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of Lepr-mutated animal models for diabetes and obesity research.
- Highlights the utility of these models in understanding complex physiological functions regulated by leptin signaling.
- Facilitates research by offering guidelines on genotyping and understanding phenotypic variations.
