Scientific findings derived from nonhuman model systems are of great importance in modern biomedical research, to understanding biological and biochemical mechanisms, as well as to understanding and anticipating the possible physiological responses. Translation from nonhuman systems is the link from biomedical discovery to applied products. Nonhuman systems must be, for these reasons, very well characterized in molecular, functional, and structural terms under both normal ("health") and abnormal ("disease") states. A significant portion of the research funding goes to the purchase of animal models, and approximately 90% of these are mouse models of human disease. A crucial point of translational research is that animal models should be perfectly characterized as models of human disease. Pathology analysis, and in particular histopathology, provide morphologic context to in vivo, molecular, and biochemical data and is essential to animal model studies, and there are many reasons to incorporate pathology endpoints into an animal study. For example mice, and in general, all genetically modified models, present distinctive considerations because these modifications are affected by experimental conditions, genetics and husbandry. The comparative pathologists recognize normal pathobiology and the phenotypes of these animals, including genetically modified models. Beyond pathology, comparative pathologists with research experience offer know-how in experimental plan, animal model development, best possible specimen collection and handling, interpretation of the data obtained and reporting. Accurate characterization and validation of models of human conditions are decisive to pharmacological and toxicological research. Animal models provide a means of characterizing physiologic interactions from basic science to translational medicine and include immunodeficient, chemically induced, surgically induced, and genetically engineered models of the particular entity or disease being studied. Preclinical efficacy studies and biomarker identification have, in this particular moment, significantly increased the number of models used in practically all the scientific laboratories. Histopathological evaluation is now regularly an endpoint of translational research conducted in these models, and it is dependent on the proficiency of comparative pathologists with the right knowledge and an extensive familiarity and training in the pathobiology of rodent and nonrodent. There is an increased demand for those who can understand the distinctive biology of various animal species and can accurately characterize the models generated and utilized. With the skill set to accurately evaluate animal models of human disease, comparative pathologists should be an integral part of the research team. Further, than pathology, a comparative pathologist can provide expertise in animal model development, experimental design, optimal sample collection, and data interpretation.
A pathologist in the lab: the histology in the study of animal models of diseases
Michelangelo Iannone
2019
Abstract
Scientific findings derived from nonhuman model systems are of great importance in modern biomedical research, to understanding biological and biochemical mechanisms, as well as to understanding and anticipating the possible physiological responses. Translation from nonhuman systems is the link from biomedical discovery to applied products. Nonhuman systems must be, for these reasons, very well characterized in molecular, functional, and structural terms under both normal ("health") and abnormal ("disease") states. A significant portion of the research funding goes to the purchase of animal models, and approximately 90% of these are mouse models of human disease. A crucial point of translational research is that animal models should be perfectly characterized as models of human disease. Pathology analysis, and in particular histopathology, provide morphologic context to in vivo, molecular, and biochemical data and is essential to animal model studies, and there are many reasons to incorporate pathology endpoints into an animal study. For example mice, and in general, all genetically modified models, present distinctive considerations because these modifications are affected by experimental conditions, genetics and husbandry. The comparative pathologists recognize normal pathobiology and the phenotypes of these animals, including genetically modified models. Beyond pathology, comparative pathologists with research experience offer know-how in experimental plan, animal model development, best possible specimen collection and handling, interpretation of the data obtained and reporting. Accurate characterization and validation of models of human conditions are decisive to pharmacological and toxicological research. Animal models provide a means of characterizing physiologic interactions from basic science to translational medicine and include immunodeficient, chemically induced, surgically induced, and genetically engineered models of the particular entity or disease being studied. Preclinical efficacy studies and biomarker identification have, in this particular moment, significantly increased the number of models used in practically all the scientific laboratories. Histopathological evaluation is now regularly an endpoint of translational research conducted in these models, and it is dependent on the proficiency of comparative pathologists with the right knowledge and an extensive familiarity and training in the pathobiology of rodent and nonrodent. There is an increased demand for those who can understand the distinctive biology of various animal species and can accurately characterize the models generated and utilized. With the skill set to accurately evaluate animal models of human disease, comparative pathologists should be an integral part of the research team. Further, than pathology, a comparative pathologist can provide expertise in animal model development, experimental design, optimal sample collection, and data interpretation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
