we are conducting a lab research to test a type of stem cells in the retinitis pigmentosa. I want to know which animal model is the most suitable for the research.
I know it may depend only upon the choice of the research team but I need to know which aspect should I look for in the model?like what would make the research process less problematic. What will give the same result that will be in human ? etc
There is simply no such thing as a "best" model. Every model has advantages and disadvantages, depends on what the purpose of the study is. Typically, for a proof of concept, scientists start with a mouse model of rod photoreceptor degeneration (e.g. rhodopisin mutation for autosomal-dominant RP, etc.). If the delivery is intraocular and not systemic, it is much easier to start with a larger animal (rat or a dog), but, of course, that would be more expensive and will may take longer. For auttosomal
Sorry, accidentally pressed the button to submit in mid sentence. For ADRP, I would recommend the following paper: Mol Vis. 2012; 18: 2479–2496.; it talks about gene therapy, but many of the principles apply to stem cell therapy too..
Hello Kareem,
As mentioned above Briard dog is a excellent naturally occurring model for RP.
I would recommend Zebrafish model, as you mentioned your lab is interested in the stem cells. Zebrafish can able to regenerate its retinal cells. For more information http://stemcell.nd.edu/faculty-experts/david-hyde/
Hi,
There are two lines of mice deficient in the β-subunit of phosphodiesterase (rd1 and rd10 mice). It is easier to work with mice than dogs. There are a lot of papers using this aninañ model
In rd1 a degeneration of photoreceptors starting at P8 and progressing to complete loss of the rods by P20. it has several limitations. The massive and rapid degeneration of photoreceptors leaves only a narrow window for treatment. Additionally, the onset of cell death overlaps with the final differentiation of the retina, making it difficult to distinguish between abnormal development and degeneration.
However, the mutant line rd10 offers a longer therapeutic window. In rd10 mice, rods begin to degenerate between P16 and P20, with maximum cell death occurring between P21 and P25 in a central to peripheral gradient. By P60, rods are no longer detectable and only cones remain.
I agree with Dr Flores-Bellver. First option would be a mouse model of RP, such as rd1 or rd10.
The Royal Collage of Surgeon rat share the same mutation as a subgroup of PR patients, MERTK. There is a rapid buildup of A2E rich lipid buildup in the sub retinal space, with accompanying Macrophage recruitment. The RCS model has been widely reported in the literature. Of course, it doesn't have a macula. Yours sincerely. -Peter
We have developed an immunodeficient rat model of retinal degeneration, a cross of pigmented NIH nude and S334-ter line rats (Seiler et al. 2014, Graefe’s Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 252:1079-1092 (2014). DOI 10.1007/s00417-014-2638-y). These rats are available from the Rat Resource and Research Center (www.rrrc.us.) and from researchers using this model.
P.S. It is also possible to receive RCS rats from the RRRC, and a lot of other rat models..
The most common form of RP is the P23H mutation and it has been produced in mini pigs and in mice. The LaVail Lab at UCSF also maintains several lines of rats with rhodopsin mutations that have varying degrees of degeneration rates.
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