Cystic Fibrosis Animal Models

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a mono-genetic disease caused by mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR). Although the disease results in many manifestations, it is consistently characterized by chronic lung infection, poor growth, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, intestinal obstruction and malabsorption, reduced fertility, and shortened lifespan. Understanding this multi-systemic disease requires the use of animal models that provide the opportunity to study complex physiologic processes in the context of a living organism. As there are a multitude of processes disrupted in CF, animal models that can allow one to approach these processes in a tractable manner are crucial.

 

Learn more about Cystic Fibrosis from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Pig

Pigs share many similarities to humans including body size, anatomical features, and physiology.

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Ferret

Ferrets share anatomical, cellular, metabolic, and physiological features with humans, including susceptibility to many human lung pathogens and pancreatic disease.

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Sheep

The anatomy, physiology, and development of the sheep respiratory system is similar to humans and its development, anatomy, and physiology is well characterized.

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Rabbit

Rabbits have a long history in medical research, and antibodies are readily available for immunological studies.

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Rat

Rats are large enough that surgeries, including transplants, are viable, but small enough that populations can be economically maintained. Rats are the traditional model for physiologic, pharmacologic, and toxicologic studies.

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Mouse

Mice are easily bred, genetically modified, and economical to maintain. There are genetic and physiological similarities between mice and humans. Genetic modification of mice is straightforward, which has led to the creation of a vast array of tools for research unmatched by any other mammalian model.

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Zebrafish

Zebrafish are optically transparent and genetically tractable, allowing the study of gene function in live animals using fluorescent reporters and organ-specific assays.

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