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Developing better and more valid animal models of brain disorders
Adam Michael Stewart1, Allan V Kalueff2
1Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience Program, ZENEREI Institute and the International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA.
Behavioural Brain Research
|January 4, 2014
Summary
Developing valid animal models for complex human brain disorders like anxiety and autism requires cross-species validation and focusing on core traits. These models must also capture the interplay between different disordered domains for accurate pathobiology research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Comparative Psychology
- Psychiatric Research
Background:
- Complex human brain disorders (anxiety, autism, depression, schizophrenia) exhibit a spectrum nature.
- Valid and sensitive animal models are essential for understanding the pathobiology of these disorders.
- Current research requires strategic advancements in animal model development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss strategic research directions for developing improved animal models of complex human brain disorders.
- To emphasize the importance of cross-species validation and population validity in animal models.
- To highlight the necessity of targeting the interplay between multiple disordered domains.
Main Methods:
- Focus on cross-species validation of animal models.
- Ensuring the population (external) validity of animal models.
- Targeting the interplay between multiple disordered domains within models.
Main Results:
- Optimal animal models should focus on evolutionarily conserved 'core' traits/domains.
- Models need to accurately mimic the clinically relevant inter-relationships between these domains.
- Cross-species validation and external validity are key for robust models.
Conclusions:
- Strategic research directions include cross-species validation, ensuring external validity, and modeling domain interplay.
- Animal models for brain disorders must capture core, evolutionarily conserved traits.
- Mimicking inter-domain relationships is crucial for clinical relevance in animal models of psychiatric disorders.
