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Feasibility of large experimental animal models in testing novel therapeutic strategies for diabetes
Masaki Nagaya1, Koki Hasegawa2, Ayuko Uchikura2
1Meiji University International Institute for Bio-Resource Research, Meiji University, Kawasaki 214-8571, Kanagawa, Japan.
Abstract:
Diabetes is among the top 10 causes of death in adults and caused approximately four million deaths worldwide in 2017. The incidence and prevalence of diabetes is predicted to increase. To alleviate this potentially severe situation, safer and more effective therapeutics are urgently required. Mice have long been the mainstay as preclinical models for basic research on diabetes, although they are not ideally suited for translating basic knowledge into clinical applications. To validate and optimize novel therapeutics for safe application in humans, an appropriate large animal model is needed. Large animals, especially pigs, are well suited for biomedical research and share many similarities with humans, including body size, anatomical features, physiology, and pathophysiology. Moreover, pigs already play an important role in translational studies, including clinical trials for xenotransplantation. Progress in genetic engineering over the past few decades has facilitated the development of transgenic animals, including porcine models of diabetes. This article discusses features that attest to the attractiveness of genetically modified porcine models of diabetes for testing novel treatment strategies using recent technical advances.
Insights
Genetically engineered pigs offer a promising large animal model for diabetes research, overcoming limitations of mouse models. These advanced porcine models are crucial for developing and testing novel diabetes therapeutics for human application.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Research
- Translational Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Diabetes is a leading cause of adult mortality, with increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide.
- Current preclinical models, primarily mice, have limitations in translating findings to human clinical applications.
- Safer and more effective diabetes therapeutics are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the suitability of large animal models, specifically pigs, for diabetes research.
- To highlight the advantages of genetically modified porcine models for preclinical therapeutic testing.
- To explore recent technical advances in developing these models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on large animal models in biomedical research.
- Analysis of physiological and pathophysiological similarities between pigs and humans.
- Discussion of advancements in genetic engineering for creating transgenic porcine models of diabetes.
Main Results:
- Pigs share significant anatomical, physiological, and pathophysiological similarities with humans, making them suitable for biomedical research.
- Genetically engineered pigs can serve as effective preclinical models for diabetes.
- Porcine models are already utilized in translational studies, including xenotransplantation.
Conclusions:
- Genetically modified porcine models of diabetes are attractive for testing novel treatment strategies.
- These models address the limitations of traditional mouse models in diabetes research translation.
- Advancements in genetic engineering enhance the utility of pigs for developing human-relevant diabetes therapies.
