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Translating time: Challenges, progress, and future directions
Christine J Charvet1, Alexandra A de Sousa1, Tatianna Vassilopoulos1
1Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
Abstract:
Mice are the dominant model system to study human health and disease. Yet, there is a pressing need to use diverse model systems to address long-standing issues in biomedical sciences. Mice do not spontaneously recapitulate many of the diseases we seek to study. Accordingly, the relevance of studying mice to understand human disease is limited. We discuss examples associated with limitations of the mouse model, and how the inclusion of a richer array of model systems can help address long standing issues in biomedical sciences. We also discuss a tool called Translating Time, an online resource (www.translatingtime.org) that equates corresponding ages across model systems and humans. The translating time resource can be used to bridge the gap across species and make predictions when data are sparse or unavailable as is the case for human fetal development. Moreover, the Translating Time tool can map findings across species, make inferences about the evolution of shared neuropathologies, and inform the optimal model system for studying human biology in health and in disease. Resources such as these can be utilized to integrate information across diverse model systems to improve the study of human biology in health and disease.
Insights
Mice are limited models for human disease research. Diverse model systems and tools like Translating Time are crucial for advancing biomedical sciences and understanding human health.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Comparative Biology
- Translational Medicine
Background:
- Mice are the primary model organism for studying human health and disease.
- Limitations exist in mouse models' ability to fully recapitulate human diseases.
- There is a need for diverse model systems to address complex biomedical questions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of the mouse model in biomedical research.
- To advocate for the inclusion of diverse model systems.
- To introduce and discuss the utility of the Translating Time resource.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing examples of mouse model limitations in disease research.
- Discussing the benefits of incorporating a wider array of model systems.
- Introducing the online tool 'Translating Time' for cross-species age correlation.
Main Results:
- Mouse models have inherent limitations in replicating many human diseases.
- Diverse model systems offer broader insights into human biology and disease.
- The Translating Time tool facilitates cross-species comparisons and predictions.
Conclusions:
- Integrating diverse model systems is essential for advancing biomedical sciences.
- The Translating Time resource aids in bridging species gaps and informing research.
- Utilizing comprehensive resources improves the study of human biology in health and disease.
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