Review
Cell Biology
Peng Yin, Shihua Li, Xiao-Jiang Li, Weili Yang
Summary: Animal models are crucial for studying the pathogenesis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Rodents with genetic modifications are commonly used, but lack overt neurodegeneration. Recent studies showed that large animals targeted with CRISPR/Cas9 (pigs and monkeys) can produce pathological events resembling those in patients' brains.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hye Sook Shin, Heather Hyeyoon Shin, Yasuhiro Shudo
Summary: Establishing an appropriate disease model, frequent modifications to surgical procedures, and insufficient transparency in reporting are three major inhibitors in current preclinical myocardial infarction research.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Axelle Dovonou, Cyril Bolduc, Victoria Soto Linan, Charles Gora, Modesto R. R. Peralta, Martin Levesque
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with motor and non-motor symptoms. Despite its long history and extensive research, there is still no cure or disease-modifying therapy available. Animal models have been developed to study PD, providing valuable insights into the disease. This review comprehensively summarizes the different animal models used in PD research, their characteristics, and ability to replicate PD-like phenotypes, aiming to assist researchers in selecting appropriate models for their research questions.
TRANSLATIONAL NEURODEGENERATION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miray Tonk-Ruegen, Andreas Vilcinskas, Anika E. Wagner
Summary: Insects are highly diverse organisms and have many advantages, such as low cost, short lifespan, and adherence to the 3R principle, making them valuable model organisms in nutritional science research.
Article
Ecology
Ann M. Raiho, E. Fleur Nicklen, Adrianna C. Foster, Carl A. Roland, Mevin B. Hooten
Summary: Merging robust statistical methods with complex simulation models is crucial for improving ecological inference and forecasting, but it is not always straightforward. This study used tree-ring data to constrain successional trajectories of two spruce species in Denali National Park, highlighting the importance of key parameter values in improving simulations and providing ecological inference about competitive dynamics.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andrew N. Kadykalo, Rachel T. Buxton, Peter Morrison, Christine M. Anderson, Holly Bickerton, Charles M. Francis, Adam C. Smith, Lenore Fahrig
Summary: The article discusses the need for improved evidence-based conservation practice and points out the current lack of evidence intermediary organizations. The authors argue that the lack of evidence bridges from research to practitioners contributes to evidence complacency and limits the use of evidence in conservation action.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Behavioral Sciences
Michael C. Frank
Summary: Large language models (LLMs) exhibit intriguing emergent behaviors, but they require significantly more language data compared to human children. Possible explanations for this vast difference include children's pre-existing conceptual knowledge, their use of multimodal grounding, and the interactive, social nature of their input.
TRENDS IN COGNITIVE SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Pinaki Mondal, Katie L. Bailey, Sara B. Cartwright, Vimla Band, Mark A. Carlson
Summary: This mini review discusses the current status, advantages, and disadvantages of large animal modeling of breast cancer (BC). Recently, there has been interest in developing porcine BC models, which show promising results for mimicking human disease. The widely used rodent models of BC are also briefly reviewed. The availability of large animal BC models could provide additional tools for BC research and models with greater biological relevance.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hasan Turkez, Ozlem Altay, Serkan Yildirim, Xiangyu Li, Hong Yang, Cemil Bayram, Ismail Bolat, Sena Oner, Ozlem Ozdemir Tozlu, Mehmet Enes Arslan, Muhammad Arif, Burak Yulug, Lutfu Hanoglu, Seyda Cankaya, Simon Lam, Halil Aziz Velioglu, Ebru Coskun, Ezgi Idil, Rahim Nogaylar, Ahmet Ozsimsek, Ahmet Hacimuftuoglu, Saeed Shoaie, Cheng Zhang, Jens Nielsen, Jan Boren, Mathias Uhlen, Adil Mardinoglu
Summary: The study indicates that neurodegenerative diseases are associated with metabolic abnormalities. The administration of combined metabolic activators (CMA) improves metabolic disorders in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). CMA treatment shows promising results in improving neurological and metabolic parameters in NDDs.
Review
Biology
Alekhya Peruri, Alexandra Morgan, Alida D'Souza, Bridget Mellon, Carey W. Hung, Gabriella Kayal, Haejung Shin, Kim Nguyen, Malek Zahed, Mason Yount, Reilly Ellis, Taylor Wynne, Virginia Fritz, Zachary Simmons, Kelly C. S. Roballo
Summary: This review provides an overview of current literature on the physiology and pathology of the pineal gland, as well as animal model experiments. It explores the potential for future research in understanding the function of the pineal gland and its neuro-regenerative properties. The pineal gland is integral in sleep and recovery, and it also has neuroprotective effects that can modulate nerve injuries. Additionally, studies have shown correlations between pineal gland function and metabolic homeostasis, as well as the prevention and progression of certain diseases. The review also highlights the use of cell culturing methods and animal models in studying pineal gland function and nervous system injuries.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Costa, Daniel Jose Barbosa, Vera Silva, Sofia Benfeito, Fernanda Borges, Fernando Remiao, Renata Silva
Summary: Ferroptosis is regulated cell death caused by oxidative perturbations controlled by Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4). It involves the increased production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, and decreased GPX4 activity. In vitro and in vivo models have been used to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases involving ferroptosis. These models can also aid in the development of potential ferroptosis inhibitors for disease-modifying therapies. This review discusses the main in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate ferroptosis and explore new drug targets and candidates.
Review
Cell Biology
Minghua Cui, Yuehui Liu, Xiaoping Men, Tao Li, Da Liu, Yongzhi Deng
Summary: Gynecological diseases are serious conditions that affect women's fertility and lives. Studying the mechanism and treatment options for these diseases is crucial. Animal models, especially large animals with reproductive organs similar to humans, are ideal for such research. This review highlights the use of large animal models in gynecological disease studies and provides guidance for selecting appropriate animal models.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Zoology
Attaur Rahman, Yuhao Li, To-Kiu Chan, Hui Zhao, Yaozu Xiang, Xing Chang, Hao Zhou, Dachun Xu, Sang-Bing Ong
Summary: Large animal models are necessary for evaluating the effectiveness of cardioprotective interventions before they can be applied clinically. However, current strategies developed in preclinical cardiovascular research often rely on small animal models, which cannot be directly applied to large animal models due to the complex nature of human ischemic cardiac disease, differences in surgical techniques, and variations in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different large animal models of preclinical cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury, as well as the challenges faced in using large animals for translational research in this field.
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Michael R. R. Grovola, Catherine von Reyn, David J. J. Loane, D. Kacy Cullen
Summary: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common condition that can cause prolonged or permanent brain dysfunction, with mild TBI accounting for the majority of cases. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the secondary effects of TBI, with microglia having both detrimental and beneficial effects. This review focuses on the acute and chronic role of microglia after mild TBI, including protective and deleterious responses, as well as interspecies variation, sex differences, and potential therapeutic implications.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tong Chen, Mei Yang, Guanghong Cui, Jinfu Tang, Ye Shen, Juan Liu, Yuan Yuan, Juan Guo, Luqi Huang
Summary: IMP is an integrated medicinal plantomics platform that provides gene annotation, sequences, functions, distributions, and expressions. It enhances the understanding of molecular metabolic pathways in medicinal plants and drives advancements in synthetic biology.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna A. L. Motyl, Kiterie M. E. Faller, Ewout J. N. Groen, Rachel A. Kline, Samantha L. Eaton, Leire M. Ledahawsky, Helena Chaytow, Douglas J. Lamont, Thomas M. Wishart, Yu-Ting Huang, Thomas H. Gillingwater
HUMAN MOLECULAR GENETICS
(2020)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Ines Boehm, Abrar Alhindi, Ana S. Leite, Chandra Logie, Alyssa Gibbs, Olivia Murray, Rizwan Farrukh, Robert Pirie, Christopher Proudfoot, Richard Clutton, Thomas M. Wishart, Ross A. Jones, Thomas H. Gillingwater
JOURNAL OF ANATOMY
(2020)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marc-Olivier Deguise, Chantal Pileggi, Yves De Repentigny, Ariane Beauvais, Alexandra Tierney, Lucia Chehade, Jean Michaud, Maica Llavero-Hurtado, Douglas Lamont, Abdelmadjid Atrih, Thomas M. Wishart, Thomas H. Gillingwater, Bernard L. Schneider, Mary-Ellen Harper, Simon H. Parson, Rashmi Kothary
Summary: The Smn(2B/-) mouse model rapidly develops microvesicular steatohepatitis, providing an opportunity to study the pathogenesis of NAFLD. While not a typical NAFLD/NASH model, it offers a reliable, low-cost, and early-onset model for both adult and pediatric populations.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna E. Karagianni, Samantha L. Eaton, Dominic Kurian, Eugenio Cillan-Garcia, Jonathan Twynam-Perkins, Anna Raper, Thomas M. Wishart, R. Scott Pirie
Summary: Airway inflammation is common in horses, with cytological analysis being the main method to assess lower airway inflammation. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology is more diagnostically advantageous for equine asthma, but the invasiveness of sample acquisition makes it unsuitable for routine screening. Technological advances have enabled a wider range of analyses to be applied to tracheal wash (TW) samples.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leire M. Ledahawsky, Maria Eirini Terzenidou, Ruairidh Edwards, Rachel A. Kline, Laura C. Graham, Samantha L. Eaton, Dinja Hoorn, Helena Chaytow, Yu-Ting Huang, Ewout J. N. Groen, Anna A. L. Motyl, Douglas J. Lamont, Kostas Tokatlidis, Thomas M. Wishart, Thomas H. Gillingwater
Summary: Synapses are a primary pathological target in neurodegenerative diseases, and SFXN3 has been found to have an impact on neurodegeneration and cell death, potentially playing a significant role in regulating neurodegeneration pathways.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna E. Karagianni, Dominic Kurian, Eugenio Cillan-Garcia, Samantha L. Eaton, Thomas M. Wishart, R. Scott Pirie
Summary: This study aims to characterize the effect of training on the local pulmonary immune system in racehorses by analyzing the gene and protein expression of tracheal wash samples. The results showed differentially expressed genes and proteins related to acute phase response, oxidative stress, haemopoietic processes, immune response, and inflammation. The study highlighted the potential mechanisms underlying training-associated airway inflammation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Laura C. Graham, Rachel A. Kline, Douglas J. Lamont, Thomas H. Gillingwater, Neil A. Mabbott, Paul A. Skehel, Thomas M. Wishart
Summary: Proteomic analysis of synaptic and non-synaptic mitochondria in mice revealed unique protein expression profiles in aged synaptic mitochondria. Recapitulation of aged synaptic mitochondrial protein expression in the Drosophila neuromuscular junction disrupted synaptic architecture, indicating that temporal regulation of the mitochondrial proteome may directly modulate synaptic stability.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cornelia Roesl, Elizabeth R. Evans, Kosala N. Dissanayake, Veronika Boczonadi, Ross A. Jones, Graeme R. Jordan, Leire Ledahawsky, Guy C. C. Allen, Molly Scott, Alanna Thomson, Thomas M. Wishart, David Hughes, Richard J. Mead, Clifford C. Shone, Clarke R. Slater, Thomas H. Gillingwater, Paul A. Skehel, Richard R. Ribchester
Summary: The construction of truncated TetC derivatives enabled high-contrast staining of motor nerve terminals without impairing NMJ function. These derivatives not only allowed easy visualization of nerve terminals in situ or in isolated preparations, but also facilitated the observation of regenerated NMJs and degenerating NMJs in diseased muscle.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joshua T. Dearborn, Hemanth R. Nelvagal, Nicholas R. Rensing, Keigo Takahashi, Stephanie M. Hughes, Thomas M. Wishart, Jonathan D. Cooper, Michael Wong, Mark S. Sands
Summary: In a mouse model of CLN1 disease, chronic CBD administration reduced neuroinflammation but had no apparent effect on seizures and neuron survival. Higher doses of CBD may be needed to reduce neurodegeneration and seizure frequency.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Zsofia Laszlo, Nicole Hindley, Anna Sanchez Avila, Rachel A. Kline, Samantha L. Eaton, Douglas J. Lamont, Colin Smith, Tara L. Spires-Jones, Thomas M. Wishart, Christopher M. Henstridge
Summary: Increasing evidence suggests that synaptic dysfunction is a central and possibly triggering factor in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to assess the molecular profile of ALS synapses using an unbiased synaptic proteomics experiment. The researchers identified ALS-associated proteins and alterations in synaptic protein expression levels, as well as the influence of cognitive decline and a specific genetic mutation on synaptic composition. This study provides novel insights into the role of synaptic dysfunction in ALS pathophysiology.
ACTA NEUROPATHOLOGICA COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Rachel A. Kline, Lena Loesslein, Dominic Kurian, Judit Aguilar Marti, Samantha L. Eaton, Felipe A. Court, Thomas H. Gillingwater, Thomas M. Wishart
Summary: Recent advances in proteomic technologies have enabled unprecedented assessment of molecular composition in various sample types. However, careful consideration is required when applying these technologies, including methodological selection and analysis workflow. The effectiveness of most proteomics screens is hindered by inadequate analyses, rather than technical limitations. Furthermore, studying progressive neurodegenerative conditions presents inherent difficulties that should be addressed.
Article
Cell Biology
Sharon J. Brown, Rachel A. Kline, Silvia A. Synowsky, Sally L. Shirran, Ian Holt, Kelly A. Sillence, Peter Claus, Brunhilde Wirth, Thomas M. Wishart, Heidi R. Fuller
Summary: This study conducted proteomic profiling of skin fibroblasts from different severities of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) patients. The results showed limited overlap in differentially expressed proteomic profiles among different types of SMA, and the greatest variability was observed within SMA II fibroblasts. Despite limited proteomic overlap, common enriched canonical pathways were identified in two of the three SMA severities. The study also identified protein profiles that may be associated with SMA severity.
Review
Cell Biology
Samantha L. Eaton, Fraser Murdoch, Nina M. Rzechorzek, Gerard Thompson, Claudia Hartley, Benjamin Thomas Blacklock, Chris Proudfoot, Simon G. Lillico, Peter Tennant, Adrian Ritchie, James Nixon, Paul M. Brennan, Stefano Guido, Nadia L. Mitchell, David N. Palmer, C. Bruce A. Whitelaw, Jonathan D. Cooper, Thomas M. Wishart
Summary: The impact of neurological disorders is globally recognized, and the translation from rodent-derived therapeutics to human neurological interventions is challenging. In order to improve translation, higher order mammals with complex neuroanatomy, such as livestock, are being used. We provide comprehensive neurological assessment protocols for large animal species to standardize the characterization of these models and recommend their use in neurological clinical scoring.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hemanth R. Nelvagal, Samantha L. Eaton, Sophie H. Wang, Elizabeth M. Eultgen, Keigo Takahashi, Steven Q. Le, Rachel Nesbitt, Joshua T. Dearborn, Nicholas Siano, Ana C. Puhl, Patricia Dickson, Gerard Thompson, Fraser Murdoch, Paul M. Brennan, Mark Gray, Stephen N. Greenhalgh, Peter Tennant, Rachael Gregson, Eddie Clutton, James Nixon, Chris Proudfoot, Stefano Guido, Simon G. Lillico, C. Bruce A. Whitelaw, Jui-Yun Lu, Sandra L. Hofmann, Sean Ekins, Mark S. Sands, Thomas M. Wishart, Jonathan D. Cooper
Summary: CLN1 disease, a fatal neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder, has proven challenging to treat. This study tested the efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and found that intracerebrovascular administration of recombinant PPT1 showed therapeutic benefits in mouse and sheep models. The findings highlight the feasibility and therapeutic efficacy of ERT and emphasize the importance of cross-species research in developing successful treatment strategies.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Declan King, Paul A. Skehel, Owen Dando, Katie Emelianova, Rona Barron, Thomas M. Wishart
Summary: Primary hippocampal cell cultures are commonly used as a model platform for studying the hippocampus and brain tissue, containing multiple cell types for easy analysis. Comparing the transcriptomic profiles of these cultures with intact hippocampal tissue raises questions about the extent to which the in vivo environment is replicated. Additionally, gene conservation appears to be largely retained across genetically altered lines based on comparisons with wild type and PrP 101LL transgenic model profiles.
BRAIN COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)