scholarly journals Use of mouse models to investigate the contributions of CNVs associated with schizophrenia and autism to disease mechanisms

2021 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 99-105
Author(s):  
Steven E Hyman
Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3158
Author(s):  
Tomáš Zárybnický ◽  
Anne Heikkinen ◽  
Salla M. Kangas ◽  
Marika Karikoski ◽  
Guillermo Antonio Martínez-Nieto ◽  
...  

The modification of genes in animal models has evidently and comprehensively improved our knowledge on proteins and signaling pathways in human physiology and pathology. In this review, we discuss almost 40 monogenic rare diseases that are enriched in the Finnish population and defined as the Finnish disease heritage (FDH). We will highlight how gene-modified mouse models have greatly facilitated the understanding of the pathological manifestations of these diseases and how some of the diseases still lack proper models. We urge the establishment of subsequent international consortiums to cooperatively plan and carry out future human disease modeling strategies. Detailed information on disease mechanisms brings along broader understanding of the molecular pathways they act along both parallel and transverse to the proteins affected in rare diseases, therefore also aiding understanding of common disease pathologies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Volta ◽  
Heather Melrose

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the most common genetic cause of familial Parkinson's disease (PD), resembling the sporadic disorder. Intensive effort has been directed toward LRRK2 mouse modeling and investigation, aimed at reproducing the human disease to inform mechanistic studies of pathogenesis and design of neuroprotective therapies. The physiological function of LRRK2 is still under exploration, but a clear role in striatal neurophysiology and animal behavior has emerged. Alterations in LRRK2 impair dopamine (DA) transmission, regulation and signaling, in addition to corticostriatal synaptic plasticity. Consistently, several subtle abnormalities in motor and nonmotor abilities have been demonstrated in LRRK2 genetic mouse models, generally paralleling preclinical symptoms of early DA dysfunction. However, the variability in model design and phenotypes observed requires a critical approach in interpreting the results, adapting the model used to the specific research question. Etiologically appropriate knockin mice might represent the ultimate animal model in which to study early disease mechanisms and therapies as well as to investigate drug effectiveness and off-target consequences.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 609-635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena J. Tucker ◽  
Sonia R. Grover ◽  
Anne Bachelot ◽  
Philippe Touraine ◽  
Andrew H. Sinclair

Abstract Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one form of female infertility, defined by loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40 and characterized by amenorrhea (primary or secondary) with raised gonadotropins and low estradiol. POI affects up to one in 100 females, including one in 1000 before the age of 30. Substantial evidence suggests a genetic basis for POI; however, the majority of cases remain unexplained, indicating that genes likely to be associated with this condition are yet to be discovered. This review discusses the current knowledge of the genetic basis of POI. We highlight genes typically known to cause syndromic POI that can be responsible for isolated POI. The role of mouse models in understanding POI pathogenesis is discussed, and a thorough list of candidate POI genes is provided. Identifying a genetic basis for POI has multiple advantages, such as enabling the identification of presymptomatic family members who can be offered counseling and cryopreservation of eggs before depletion, enabling personalized treatment based on the cause of an individual's condition, and providing better understanding of disease mechanisms that ultimately aid the development of improved treatments.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (493) ◽  
pp. eaaq1818 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth M. C. Fisher ◽  
David M. Bannerman

Many mutant mouse strains have been developed as models to investigate neurodegenerative disease in humans. However, variability in results among studies using these mouse strains has led to questions about the value of these models. Here, we appraise various mouse models for dissecting neurodegenerative disease mechanisms and emphasize the importance of asking appropriate research questions. In therapeutic studies, we suggest that understanding variability among and within mouse models is crucial for preventing translational failures in human patients.


2004 ◽  
Vol 92 (09) ◽  
pp. 467-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hartmut Weiler

SummaryThis review describes animal models of TM-deficiency that cause thrombosis in mice. Thrombomodulin (TM) is a key component of the protein C anticoagulant pathway by facilitating the activation of protein C by thrombin. In addition, TM integrates fibrinolytic and anti-inflammatory responses in a manner that is in part independent of protein C and thrombin. A series of genetically modified mouse strains is available in which the various and distinct functions of TM have been altered by means of site-directed mutagenesis of the TM gene locus (Thbd). The focus of the current review is the pathological activation of the hemostatic mechanism in mice with altered TM function (the pathologic activation of the hemostatic mechanism). The analysis of these mouse models has revealed novel and in part organ-specific functions of TM, most notably in the vascular bed of the placenta. In these mouse models, the severity and phenotypic expression of thrombosis is highly variable and is dependent on interaction with secondary genetic or environmental modifiers. The mutant mouse strains replicate important aspects of thrombophilia and thrombosis in humans, and provide a valuable resource to validate existing, and develop novel concepts of disease mechanisms in human patients.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 3712
Author(s):  
Julien Boetto ◽  
Matthieu Peyre ◽  
Michel Kalamarides

Meningiomas are the most frequent primitive central nervous system tumors found in adults. Mouse models of cancer have been instrumental in understanding disease mechanisms and establishing preclinical drug testing. Various mouse models of meningioma have been developed over time, evolving in light of new discoveries in our comprehension of meningioma biology and with improvements in genetic engineering techniques. We reviewed all mouse models of meningioma described in the literature, including xenograft models (orthotopic or heterotopic) with human cell lines or patient derived tumors, and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). Xenograft models provided useful tools for preclinical testing of a huge range of innovative drugs and therapeutic options, which are summarized in this review. GEMMs offer the possibility of mimicking human meningiomas at the histological, anatomical, and genetic level and have been invaluable in enabling tumorigenesis mechanisms, including initiation and progression, to be dissected. Currently, researchers have a range of different mouse models that can be used depending on the scientific question to be answered.


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