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In Vivo Approaches to Understand Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy: Perspectives on Animal Models
Giovanni Risato1,2,3, Raquel Brañas Casas2, Marco Cason1
1Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, I-35128 Padua, Italy.
Insights
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a genetic heart condition. Animal models like mice and zebrafish, alongside in vitro studies, are crucial for understanding AC and developing better treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Genetics
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a hereditary cardiac disorder.
- It involves the replacement of heart muscle with fibrous and adipose tissue.
- This leads to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death, posing management challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of animal models in understanding arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
- To explore the role of mice and zebrafish in AC research.
- To highlight the combined approach of animal models and in vitro studies for AC.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on animal models for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
- Analysis of insights gained from mouse models regarding gene involvement and pathways.
- Evaluation of zebrafish as a complementary model for AC research.
Main Results:
- Mouse models provide insights into AC pathophysiology but have limitations in replicating human complexity.
- Zebrafish offer economic and genetic advantages as an alternative model.
- Combined use of models aids comprehensive understanding.
Conclusions:
- Animal models are essential for advancing AC research and therapeutic development.
- Integrating findings from mice, zebrafish, and in vitro studies is key.
- This integrated approach promises improved patient outcomes and quality of life.
Abstract:
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a hereditary cardiac disorder characterized by the gradual replacement of cardiomyocytes with fibrous and adipose tissue, leading to ventricular wall thinning, chamber dilation, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Despite advances in treatment, disease management remains challenging. Animal models, particularly mice and zebrafish, have become invaluable tools for understanding AC's pathophysiology and testing potential therapies. Mice models, although useful for scientific research, cannot fully replicate the complexity of the human AC. However, they have provided valuable insights into gene involvement, signalling pathways, and disease progression. Zebrafish offer a promising alternative to mammalian models, despite the phylogenetic distance, due to their economic and genetic advantages. By combining animal models with in vitro studies, researchers can comprehensively understand AC, paving the way for more effective treatments and interventions for patients and improving their quality of life and prognosis.
