Beyond rodents: The integral role of domestic animals in biomedical research.

Overview

• This research article reviews the important contributions of domestic animals beyond rodents in biomedical research.
• It highlights how species like sheep, pigs, dogs, and others serve as valuable models for studying human diseases and developing medical treatments and technologies.

Introduction: Context and Importance

• Approximately 100 million vertebrate animals are used worldwide in biomedical research annually, with mice and rats dominating laboratory use.
• Rodent models are fundamental for understanding biological mechanisms but often have limitations in translating findings directly to humans.
• Large domestic animals are increasingly recognized as critical for bridging this translational gap from preclinical research to clinical application.

Advantages of Domestic Animal Models

• Size and Lifespan: Domestic animals such as sheep, pigs, and cattle more closely match human body size and lifespan, providing more clinically relevant models.
• Anatomical and Physiological Similarities: Many organs and systems in these animals resemble human counterparts, improving the relevance of research outcomes.
• Natural Disease Similarities: Some domestic species naturally develop diseases analogous to human conditions, allowing study of disease progression and treatments in realistic contexts.

Applications of Domestic Animal Models

• Disease Modeling: Domestic animals are used to replicate human diseases, facilitating drug and vaccine testing under conditions closer to human biology.
• Xenotransplantation: Animals such as pigs are explored as organ donors to address human organ shortages.
• Medical Devices and Surgical Techniques: Larger animals provide platforms to test new devices and refine surgical procedures before clinical use.
• Medical Imaging Research: These models assist in the development and evaluation of imaging technologies like X-ray, CT scans, and MRI.

Technological Advances Enhancing Utility

• Recent progress in genomic technologies and gene editing (e.g., CRISPR) has greatly increased the possibility of creating precise disease models in domestic animals.
• Tailored genetic modifications enable researchers to study specific human diseases with high fidelity in these animals.
• These advances foster translational studies that directly connect basic research insights to therapeutic development.

Future Directions and Recommendations

• The article calls for strategic investment to enhance:
  • Genetic engineering infrastructure tailored to different domestic species.
  • Biobanking efforts to preserve genetic resources and biological materials.
  • Development of species-specific research tools to improve experimental reproducibility and relevance.
• Such sustained efforts are crucial to unlocking the full translational potential of these models in biomedical science.

Conclusion

• The review emphasizes that domestic animals beyond rodents play an integral role in biomedical research.
• Their unique biological characteristics complement rodent studies and help bridge the gap towards human clinical applications.
• By incorporating diverse animal models, researchers can better address complex human health challenges with more robust and predictive data.