Mouse models of peripheral metabolic disease

Area of Science:

• Metabolic research
• Animal models
• Genetics and physiology

Background:

• Metabolic diseases stem from cellular energy regulation defects and inter-organ communication disruptions.
• Understanding cellular, tissue, and organ contributions to metabolism requires suitable model organisms.
• Mice are extensively utilized in metabolic research due to well-characterized strains for comparative studies and disease modeling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review various mouse models used in metabolic research.
• To discuss the applications, limitations, and future potential of these models for studying obesity and type 2 diabetes.
• To highlight the importance of mouse models in unraveling the complexities of energy homeostasis.

Main Methods:

• Review of spontaneous mutation strains leading to obesity and diabetes.
• Analysis of surgically- and chemically-induced metabolic disease models.
• Examination of genetic mutants (transgenesis, knockout) and peripheral models (Cre-Lox, CRISPR/Cas9).

Main Results:

• Various mouse models exist, including spontaneous mutations, induced models, and genetically engineered strains.
• Each model type offers unique advantages and disadvantages for studying specific aspects of metabolic diseases.
• These models facilitate research into the genetic and environmental factors contributing to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions:

• Mouse models are indispensable tools for dissecting the cellular and systemic mechanisms of metabolic diseases.
• Careful selection of appropriate mouse models is critical for advancing our understanding and developing therapeutic strategies.
• Continued development and refinement of mouse models will enhance their utility in human disease modeling and metabolic research.