Improved and Diverse Research Models
A greater variety of small animal models (along with corresponding suites of tools such as species-specific antibodies, annotated genomes, transgenics, etc.) would enable novel biological insights and could be used to develop models of complex human diseases. Additional rodent models, as well as those beyond mouse and rat would be highly enabling.
More realistic models are also critical for aging research–many diseases of aging are studied in young animals.
Analytical tools are also important to make it easier for researchers to understand a) limitations of their research models, b) be aware of superior but less commonly used models. For example, a “Maniatis” style handbook detailing which human pathophysiology is mirrored in different species.
Resources (12)
A novel tree shrew model of pulmonary fibrosis
Research and Reviews
Aspects of tree shrew consolidated sleep structure resemble human sleep
Research and Reviews
Intelligent high‐throughput intervention testing platform in Daphnia
Research and Reviews
Life history of the menstruating uterus
Research and Reviews
The Naked Mole-Rat as a Model for Healthy Aging
Research and Reviews
Daphnia Labs
Company
R&D Gaps (1)
Current preclinical models of human physiology, including animals and organoids, do not fully capture the complexity of human physiology, limiting the predicting power of preclinical experiments and explaining, in part, the costly failures of drug development in clinical trials. This is especially true for complex disorders including those of aging, neurological disorders, and female reproductive biology. More systematic and representative models—including ex vivo human organ systems or even whole bodies and novel animal species—are needed to improve the predictive power of biomedical research. These technologies also have applications in addressing organ shortages, improving neonatal care, and other unmet medical needs.