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Brown RE. Measuring the replicability of our own research. J Neurosci Methods 2024; 406:110111. [PMID: 38521128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
In the study of transgenic mouse models of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, we use batteries of tests to measure deficits in behaviour and from the results of these tests, we make inferences about the mental states of the mice that we interpret as deficits in "learning", "memory", "anxiety", "depression", etc. This paper discusses the problems of determining whether a particular transgenic mouse is a valid mouse model of disease X, the problem of background strains, and the question of whether our behavioural tests are measuring what we say they are. The problem of the reliability of results is then discussed: are they replicable between labs and can we replicate our results in our own lab? This involves the study of intra- and inter- experimenter reliability. The variables that influence replicability and the importance of conducting a complete behavioural phenotype: sensory, motor, cognitive and social emotional behaviour are discussed. Then the thorny question of failure to replicate is examined: Is it a curse or a blessing? Finally, the role of failure in research and what it tells us about our research paradigms is examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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2
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Romantsik O, Bank M, Menon JML, Malhotra A, Bruschettini M. Value of preclinical systematic reviews and meta-analyses in pediatric research. Pediatr Res 2024:10.1038/s41390-024-03197-1. [PMID: 38615075 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03197-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Similar to systematic reviews (SRs) in clinical fields, preclinical SRs address a specific research area, furnishing information on current knowledge, possible gaps, and potential methodological flaws of study design, conduct, and report. One of the main goals of preclinical SRs is to identify aspiring treatment strategies and evaluate if currently available data is solid enough to translate to clinical trials or highlight the gaps, thus justifying the need for new studies. It is imperative to rigorously follow the methodological standards that are widely available. These include registration of the protocol and adherence to guidelines for assessing the risk of bias, study quality, and certainty of evidence. A special consideration should be made for pediatric SRs, clinical and preclinical, due to the unique characteristics of this age group. These include rationale for intervention and comparison of primary and secondary outcomes. Outcomes measured should acknowledge age-related physiological changes and maturational processes of different organ systems. It is crucial to choose the age of the animals appropriately and its possible correspondence for specific pediatric age groups. The findings of well-conducted SRs of preclinical studies have the potential to provide a reliable evidence synthesis to guide the design of future preclinical and clinical studies. IMPACT: This narrative review highlights the importance of rigorous design, conduct and reporting of preclinical primary studies and systematic reviews. A special consideration should be made for pediatric systematic reviews of preclinical studies, due to the unique characteristics of this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Romantsik
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden.
| | - Matthias Bank
- Library and ICT, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Julia M L Menon
- Preclinicaltrials.eu, Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Atul Malhotra
- Department of Pediatrics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Newborn, Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Division of Pediatrics, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, 21185, Sweden
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3
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Murai T, Bailey L, Schultz L, Mongeau L, DeSana A, Silva AC, Roberts AC, Sukoff Rizzo SJ. Improving preclinical to clinical translation of cognitive function for aging-related disorders: the utility of comprehensive touchscreen testing batteries in common marmosets. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 24:325-348. [PMID: 38200282 PMCID: PMC11039501 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-023-01144-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Concerns about poor animal to human translation have come increasingly to the fore, in particular with regards to cognitive improvements in rodent models, which have failed to translate to meaningful clinical benefit in humans. This problem has been widely acknowledged, most recently in the field of Alzheimer's disease, although this issue pervades the spectrum of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, recent efforts have focused on improving preclinical to clinical translation by incorporating more clinically analogous outcome measures of cognition, such as touchscreen-based assays, which can be employed across species, and have great potential to minimize the translational gap. For aging-related research, it also is important to incorporate model systems that facilitate the study of the long prodromal phase in which cognitive decline begins to emerge and which is a major limitation of short-lived species, such as laboratory rodents. We posit that to improve translation of cognitive function and dysfunction, nonhuman primate models, which have conserved anatomical and functional organization of the primate brain, are necessary to move the field of translational research forward and to bridge the translational gaps. The present studies describe the establishment of a comprehensive battery of touchscreen-based tasks that capture a spectrum of domains sensitive to detecting aging-related cognitive decline, which will provide the greatest benefit through longitudinal evaluation throughout the prolonged lifespan of the marmoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Murai
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Bailey
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Laura Schultz
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lauren Mongeau
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew DeSana
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Afonso C Silva
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Angela C Roberts
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stacey J Sukoff Rizzo
- Aging Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 514A Bridgeside Point 1, 100 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
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4
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Polis B, Samson AO. Addressing the Discrepancies Between Animal Models and Human Alzheimer's Disease Pathology: Implications for Translational Research. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1199-1218. [PMID: 38517793 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Animal models, particularly transgenic mice, are extensively used in Alzheimer's disease (AD) research to emulate key disease hallmarks, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles formation. Although these models have contributed to our understanding of AD pathogenesis and can be helpful in testing potential therapeutic interventions, their reliability is dubious. While preclinical studies have shown promise, clinical trials often yield disappointing results, highlighting a notable gap and disparity between animal models and human AD pathology. Existing models frequently overlook early-stage human pathologies and other key AD characteristics, thereby limiting their application in identifying optimal therapeutic interventions. Enhancing model reliability necessitates rigorous study design, comprehensive behavioral evaluations, and biomarker utilization. Overall, a nuanced understanding of each model's neuropathology, its fidelity to human AD, and its limitations is essential for accurate interpretation and successful translation of findings. This article analyzes the discrepancies between animal models and human AD pathology that complicate the translation of findings from preclinical studies to clinical applications. We also delve into AD pathogenesis and attributes to propose a new perspective on this pathology and deliberate over the primary limitations of key experimental models. Additionally, we discuss several fundamental problems that may explain the translational failures and suggest some possible directions for more effective preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baruh Polis
- Bar-Ilan University Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Safed, Israel
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5
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Marzi SJ, Schilder BM, Nott A, Frigerio CS, Willaime-Morawek S, Bucholc M, Hanger DP, James C, Lewis PA, Lourida I, Noble W, Rodriguez-Algarra F, Sharif JA, Tsalenchuk M, Winchester LM, Yaman Ü, Yao Z, Ranson JM, Llewellyn DJ. Artificial intelligence for neurodegenerative experimental models. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5970-5987. [PMID: 37768001 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Experimental models are essential tools in neurodegenerative disease research. However, the translation of insights and drugs discovered in model systems has proven immensely challenging, marred by high failure rates in human clinical trials. METHODS Here we review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in experimental medicine for dementia research. RESULTS Considering the specific challenges of reproducibility and translation between other species or model systems and human biology in preclinical dementia research, we highlight best practices and resources that can be leveraged to quantify and evaluate translatability. We then evaluate how AI and ML approaches could be applied to enhance both cross-model reproducibility and translation to human biology, while sustaining biological interpretability. DISCUSSION AI and ML approaches in experimental medicine remain in their infancy. However, they have great potential to strengthen preclinical research and translation if based upon adequate, robust, and reproducible experimental data. HIGHLIGHTS There are increasing applications of AI in experimental medicine. We identified issues in reproducibility, cross-species translation, and data curation in the field. Our review highlights data resources and AI approaches as solutions. Multi-omics analysis with AI offers exciting future possibilities in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Marzi
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Brian M Schilder
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alexi Nott
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Magda Bucholc
- School of Computing, Engineering & Intelligent Systems, Ulster University, Derry, UK
| | - Diane P Hanger
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Patrick A Lewis
- Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | | | - Wendy Noble
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | - Jalil-Ahmad Sharif
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Tsalenchuk
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ümran Yaman
- UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | | | | | - David J Llewellyn
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
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6
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Cecotto L, Stapels DAC, van Kessel KPM, Croes M, Lourens Z, Vogely HC, van der Wal BCH, van Strijp JAG, Weinans H, Amin Yavari S. Evaluation of silver bio-functionality in a multicellular in vitro model: towards reduced animal usage in implant-associated infection research. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1186936. [PMID: 37342248 PMCID: PMC10277478 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1186936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the extensive use of silver ions or nanoparticles in research related to preventing implant-associated infections (IAI), their use in clinical practice has been debated. This is because the strong antibacterial properties of silver are counterbalanced by adverse effects on host cells. One of the reasons for this may be the lack of comprehensive in vitro models that are capable of analyzing host-bacteria and host-host interactions. Methods and results In this study, we tested silver efficacy through multicellular in vitro models involving macrophages (immune system), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, bone cells), and S. aureus (pathogen). Our model showed to be capable of identifying each element of culture as well as tracking the intracellular survival of bacteria. Furthermore, the model enabled to find a therapeutic window for silver ions (AgNO3) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) where the viability of host cells was not compromised, and the antibacterial properties of silver were maintained. While AgNO3 between 0.00017 and 0.017 µg/mL retained antibacterial properties, host cell viability was not affected. The multicellular model, however, demonstrated that those concentrations had no effect on the survival of S. aureus, inside or outside host cells. Similarly, treatment with 20 nm AgNPs did not influence the phagocytic and killing capacity of macrophages or prevent S. aureus from invading MSCs. Moreover, exposure to 100 nm AgNPs elicited an inflammatory response by host cells as detected by the increased production of TNF-α and IL-6. This was visible only when macrophages and MSCs were cultured together. Conclusions Multicellular in vitro models such as the one used here that simulate complex in vivo scenarios can be used to screen other therapeutic compounds or antibacterial biomaterials without the need to use animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Cecotto
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Daphne A. C. Stapels
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Infection Biology Group, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Kok P. M. van Kessel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Michiel Croes
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zeldali Lourens
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - H. Charles Vogely
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Jos A. G. van Strijp
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Harrie Weinans
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, Netherlands
| | - Saber Amin Yavari
- Department of Orthopedics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Centre Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Marshall LJ, Bailey J, Cassotta M, Herrmann K, Pistollato F. Poor Translatability of Biomedical Research Using Animals - A Narrative Review. Altern Lab Anim 2023; 51:102-135. [PMID: 36883244 DOI: 10.1177/02611929231157756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The failure rate for the translation of drugs from animal testing to human treatments remains at over 92%, where it has been for the past few decades. The majority of these failures are due to unexpected toxicity - that is, safety issues revealed in human trials that were not apparent in animal tests - or lack of efficacy. However, the use of more innovative tools, such as organs-on-chips, in the preclinical pipeline for drug testing, has revealed that these tools are more able to predict unexpected safety events prior to clinical trials and so can be used for this, as well as for efficacy testing. Here, we review several disease areas, and consider how the use of animal models has failed to offer effective new treatments. We also make some suggestions as to how the more human-relevant new approach methodologies might be applied to address this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay J Marshall
- Animal Research Issues, 94219The Humane Society of the United States, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Jarrod Bailey
- 380235Cruelty Free International, London, UK; 542332Animal Free Research UK, London, UK
| | | | - Kathrin Herrmann
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 457389Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing, Baltimore, MD, USA; Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility, Consumer Protection and Climate Action, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Biose IJ, Ismael S, Ouvrier B, White AL, Bix GJ. The Potential Role of Integrin Signaling in Memory and Cognitive Impairment. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010108. [PMID: 36671492 PMCID: PMC9855855 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia currently has no cure and, due to the increased prevalence and associated economic and personal burden of this condition, current research efforts for the development of potential therapies have intensified. Recently, targeting integrins as a strategy to ameliorate dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment has begun to gain traction. Integrins are major bidirectional signaling receptors in mammalian cells, mediating various physiological processes such as cell-cell interaction and cell adhesion, and are also known to bind to the extracellular matrix. In particular, integrins play a critical role in the synaptic transmission of signals, hence their potential contribution to memory formation and significance in cognitive impairment. In this review, we describe the physiological roles that integrins play in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and in the formation of memories. We also provide a clear overview of how integrins are implicated in BBB disruption following cerebral pathology. Given that vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia and Alzheimer's' disease are prominent forms of dementia that involve BBB disruption, as well as chronic inflammation, we present current approaches shown to improve dementia-like conditions with integrins as a central focus. We conclude that integrins are vital in memory formation and that their disruption could lead to various forms of cognitive impairment. While further research to understand the relationships between integrins and memory is needed, we propose that the translational relevance of research efforts in this area could be improved through the use of appropriately aged, comorbid, male and female animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifechukwude Joachim Biose
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Saifudeen Ismael
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Blake Ouvrier
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Amanda Louise White
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Gregory Jaye Bix
- Clinical Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70122, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-988-3564
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9
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Predictive validity in drug discovery: what it is, why it matters and how to improve it. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:915-931. [PMID: 36195754 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Successful drug discovery is like finding oases of safety and efficacy in chemical and biological deserts. Screens in disease models, and other decision tools used in drug research and development (R&D), point towards oases when they score therapeutic candidates in a way that correlates with clinical utility in humans. Otherwise, they probably lead in the wrong direction. This line of thought can be quantified by using decision theory, in which 'predictive validity' is the correlation coefficient between the output of a decision tool and clinical utility across therapeutic candidates. Analyses based on this approach reveal that the detectability of good candidates is extremely sensitive to predictive validity, because the deserts are big and oases small. Both history and decision theory suggest that predictive validity is under-managed in drug R&D, not least because it is so hard to measure before projects succeed or fail later in the process. This article explains the influence of predictive validity on R&D productivity and discusses methods to evaluate and improve it, with the aim of supporting the application of more effective decision tools and catalysing investment in their creation.
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Wang L, Shui X, Mei Y, Xia Y, Lan G, Hu L, Zhang M, Gan CL, Li R, Tian Y, Wang Q, Gu X, Chen D, Zhang T, Lee TH. miR-143-3p Inhibits Aberrant Tau Phosphorylation and Amyloidogenic Processing of APP by Directly Targeting DAPK1 in Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147992. [PMID: 35887339 PMCID: PMC9317260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by intracellular aggregation of hyperphosphorylated tau and extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ). Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), as a novel therapeutic target, shows promise for the treatment of human AD, but the regulatory mechanisms of DAPK1 expression in AD remain unclear. In this study, we identified miR-143-3p as a promising candidate for targeting DAPK1. miR-143-3p directly bound to the 3′ untranslated region of human DAPK1 mRNA and inhibited its translation. miR-143-3p decreased tau phosphorylation and promoted neurite outgrowth and microtubule assembly. Moreover, miR-143-3p attenuated amyloid precursor protein (APP) phosphorylation and reduced the generation of Aβ40 and Aβ42. Furthermore, restoring DAPK1 expression with miR-143-3p antagonized the effects of miR-143-3p in attenuating tau hyperphosphorylation and Aβ production. In addition, the miR-143-3p levels were downregulated and correlated inversely with the expression of DAPK1 in the hippocampus of AD patients. Our results suggest that miR-143-3p might play critical roles in regulating both aberrant tau phosphorylation and amyloidogenic processing of APP by targeting DAPK1 and thus offer a potential novel therapeutic strategy for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tae Ho Lee
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-591-2286-2498
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11
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Hutchinson I, Owen C, Bailey J. Modernizing Medical Research to Benefit People and Animals. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12091173. [PMID: 35565599 PMCID: PMC9100373 DOI: 10.3390/ani12091173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of widespread public and political concern around the use of animals in research, we sought to examine the scientific, ethical and economic arguments around the replacement of animals with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and to situate this within a regulatory context. We also analyzed the extent to which animal replacement aligns with British public and policymakers’ priorities and explored global progress towards this outcome. The global context is especially relevant given the international nature of regulatory guidance on the safety testing of new medicines. We used a range of evidence to analyze this area, including scientific papers; expert economic analysis; public opinion polls and the Hansard of the UK Parliament. We found evidence indicating that replacing animals with NAMs would benefit animal welfare, public health and the economy. The majority of the British public is in favor of efforts to replace animals and focusing on this area would help to support the British Government’s current policy priorities. We believe that this evidence underlines the need for strong action from policymakers to accelerate the transition from animal experiments to NAMs. The specific measure we suggest is to introduce a new ministerial position to coordinate and accelerate the replacement of animals with NAMs
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12
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Genetically modified mice for research on human diseases: A triumph for Biotechnology or a work in progress? THE EUROBIOTECH JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.2478/ebtj-2022-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Genetically modified mice are engineered as models for human diseases. These mouse models include inbred strains, mutants, gene knockouts, gene knockins, and ‘humanized’ mice. Each mouse model is engineered to mimic a specific disease based on a theory of the genetic basis of that disease. For example, to test the amyloid theory of Alzheimer’s disease, mice with amyloid precursor protein genes are engineered, and to test the tau theory, mice with tau genes are engineered. This paper discusses the importance of mouse models in basic research, drug discovery, and translational research, and examines the question of how to define the “best” mouse model of a disease. The critiques of animal models and the caveats in translating the results from animal models to the treatment of human disease are discussed. Since many diseases are heritable, multigenic, age-related and experience-dependent, resulting from multiple gene-gene and gene-environment interactions, it will be essential to develop mouse models that reflect these genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors from a developmental perspective. Such models would provide further insight into disease emergence, progression and the ability to model two-hit and multi-hit theories of disease. The summary examines the biotechnology for creating genetically modified mice which reflect these factors and how they might be used to discover new treatments for complex human diseases such as cancers, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases.
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13
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Javonillo DI, Tran KM, Phan J, Hingco E, Kramár EA, da Cunha C, Forner S, Kawauchi S, Milinkeviciute G, Gomez-Arboledas A, Neumann J, Banh CE, Huynh M, Matheos DP, Rezaie N, Alcantara JA, Mortazavi A, Wood MA, Tenner AJ, MacGregor GR, Green KN, LaFerla FM. Systematic Phenotyping and Characterization of the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:785276. [PMID: 35140584 PMCID: PMC8818877 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.785276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of disease are valuable resources for investigating pathogenic mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions. However, for complex disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the generation and availability of innumerous distinct animal models present unique challenges to AD researchers and hinder the success of useful therapies. Here, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the 3xTg-AD mouse model of AD across its lifespan to better inform the field of the various pathologies that appear at specific ages, and comment on drift that has occurred in the development of pathology in this line since its development 20 years ago. This modern characterization of the 3xTg-AD model includes an assessment of impairments in long-term potentiation followed by quantification of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaque burden and neurofibrillary tau tangles, biochemical levels of Aβ and tau protein, and neuropathological markers such as gliosis and accumulation of dystrophic neurites. We also present a novel comparison of the 3xTg-AD model with the 5xFAD model using the same deep-phenotyping characterization pipeline and show plasma NfL is strongly driven by plaque burden. The results from these analyses are freely available via the AD Knowledge Portal (https://modeladexplorer.org/). Our work demonstrates the utility of a characterization pipeline that generates robust and standardized information relevant to investigating and comparing disease etiologies of current and future models of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic I. Javonillo
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kristine M. Tran
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jimmy Phan
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Edna Hingco
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Enikö A. Kramár
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Celia da Cunha
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stefania Forner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shimako Kawauchi
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Giedre Milinkeviciute
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Angela Gomez-Arboledas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan Neumann
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Crystal E. Banh
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Michelle Huynh
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Dina P. Matheos
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Narges Rezaie
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Joshua A. Alcantara
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Marcelo A. Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Andrea J. Tenner
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Grant R. MacGregor
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, University Laboratory Animal Resources, Office of Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kim N. Green
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Kim N. Green,
| | - Frank M. LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Frank M. LaFerla,
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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15
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iPSC Therapy for Myocardial Infarction in Large Animal Models: Land of Hope and Dreams. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121836. [PMID: 34944652 PMCID: PMC8698445 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is the main driver of heart failure due to ischemia and subsequent cell death, and cell-based strategies have emerged as promising therapeutic methods to replace dead tissue in cardiovascular diseases. Research in this field has been dramatically advanced by the development of laboratory-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that harbor the capability to become any cell type. Like other experimental strategies, stem cell therapy must meet multiple requirements before reaching the clinical trial phase, and in vivo models are indispensable for ensuring the safety of such novel therapies. Specifically, translational studies in large animal models are necessary to fully evaluate the therapeutic potential of this approach; to empirically determine the optimal combination of cell types, supplementary factors, and delivery methods to maximize efficacy; and to stringently assess safety. In the present review, we summarize the main strategies employed to generate iPSCs and differentiate them into cardiomyocytes in large animal species; the most critical differences between using small versus large animal models for cardiovascular studies; and the strategies that have been pursued regarding implanted cells' stage of differentiation, origin, and technical application.
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16
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Aranđelović J, Santrač A, Batinić B, Todorović L, Ahmed Khan MZ, Rashid F, Poe MM, Obradović A, Cook JM, Savić MM. Positive and Negative Selective Allosteric Modulators of α5 GABAA Receptors: Effects on Emotionality, Motivation, and Motor Function in the 5xFAD Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:1291-1302. [PMID: 34657887 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive and negative allosteric modulators of α5 GABAA receptors (PAM and NAM, respectively) are worthy of investigation as putative treatments of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, their potential to modify a dynamic range of behaviors in AD models needs to be systematically examined. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to assess effects of MP-III-022 as PAM and PWZ-029 as NAM on emotional reactivity, motivation, and motor function, as well as on gene expression of GABRA2, GABRA3 and GABRA5 subunit of GABAA receptors in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HC) in 5xFAD mice, as an early-onset transgenic AD model. METHODS The 6-month-old 5xFAD transgenic and non-transgenic mice of both genders underwent a battery of reflexes and behavioral tests (sensorimotor tests, elevated plus maze, and open field) after 10-day intraperitoneal treatment with MP-III-022, PWZ-029, or solvent. The behavioral battery was followed by qPCR analysis of gene expression. RESULTS MP-III-022 induced a decline in motor function, while PWZ-029 further decreased emotionality of transgenic males, as compared to the transgenic control. No interfering effects on non-cognitive behavior were observed in female mice. In HC, both treatments reversed reciprocal GABRA2 and GABRA3 changes in transgenic females. In PFC, MP-III-022 decreased GABRA5 in both genders, while PWZ-029 increased GABRA2 in male transgenic animals. CONCLUSION Gender-dependent protracted effects of PAMs and NAMs in AD model, with detrimental impact on motor capabilities of PAM, and attenuation of emotionality elicited by NAM in transgenic males, were revealed. This favors future research of α5 GABAA receptor modulation in females as more promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovana Aranđelović
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anja Santrač
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Bojan Batinić
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lidija Todorović
- Laboratory for Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Md Zubair Ahmed Khan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Farjana Rashid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael M Poe
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Aleksandar Obradović
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - James M Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute for Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Miroslav M Savić
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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17
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Zietek T, Boomgaarden WAD, Rath E. Drug Screening, Oral Bioavailability and Regulatory Aspects: A Need for Human Organoids. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:1280. [PMID: 34452240 PMCID: PMC8399541 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13081280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium critically contributes to oral bioavailability of drugs by constituting an important site for drug absorption and metabolism. In particular, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) actively serve as gatekeepers of drug and nutrient availability. IECs' transport processes and metabolism are interrelated to the whole-body metabolic state and represent potential points of origin as well as therapeutic targets for a variety of diseases. Human intestinal organoids represent a superior model of the intestinal epithelium, overcoming limitations of currently used in vitro models. Caco-2 cells or rodent explant models face drawbacks such as their cancer and non-human origin, respectively, but are commonly used to study intestinal nutrient absorption, enterocyte metabolism and oral drug bioavailability, despite poorly correlative data. In contrast, intestinal organoids allow investigating distinct aspects of bioavailability including spatial resolution of transport, inter-individual differences and high-throughput screenings. As several countries have already developed strategic roadmaps to phase out animal experiments for regulatory purposes, intestinal organoid culture and organ-on-a-chip technology in combination with in silico approaches are roads to go in the preclinical and regulatory setup and will aid implementing the 3Rs (reduction, refinement and replacement) principle in basic science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Zietek
- Doctors against Animal Experiments, 51143 Köln, Germany
| | | | - Eva Rath
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, 85354 Freising, Germany
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Camargo LC, Schöneck M, Sangarapillai N, Honold D, Shah NJ, Langen KJ, Willbold D, Kutzsche J, Schemmert S, Willuweit A. PEAβ Triggers Cognitive Decline and Amyloid Burden in a Novel Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137062. [PMID: 34209113 PMCID: PMC8267711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the physiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has improved substantially based on studies of mouse models mimicking at least one aspect of the disease. Many transgenic lines have been established, leading to amyloidosis but lacking neurodegeneration. The aim of the current study was to generate a novel mouse model that develops neuritic plaques containing the aggressive pyroglutamate modified amyloid-β (pEAβ) species in the brain. The TAPS line was developed by intercrossing of the pEAβ-producing TBA2.1 mice with the plaque-developing line APPswe/PS1ΔE9. The phenotype of the new mouse line was characterized using immunostaining, and different cognitive and general behavioral tests. In comparison to the parental lines, TAPS animals developed an earlier onset of pathology and increased plaque load, including striatal pEAβ-positive neuritic plaques, and enhanced neuroinflammation. In addition to abnormalities in general behavior, locomotion, and exploratory behavior, TAPS mice displayed cognitive deficits in a variety of tests that were most pronounced in the fear conditioning paradigm and in spatial learning in comparison to the parental lines. In conclusion, the combination of a pEAβ- and a plaque-developing mouse model led to an accelerated amyloid pathology and cognitive decline in TAPS mice, qualifying this line as a novel amyloidosis model for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Cristina Camargo
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (L.C.C.); (D.H.); (D.W.); (J.K.); (S.S.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Schöneck
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (N.S.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
| | - Nivethini Sangarapillai
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (N.S.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
| | - Dominik Honold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (L.C.C.); (D.H.); (D.W.); (J.K.); (S.S.)
| | - N. Jon Shah
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (N.S.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- JARA-Brain-Translational Medicine, JARA Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, 52062 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (N.S.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dieter Willbold
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (L.C.C.); (D.H.); (D.W.); (J.K.); (S.S.)
- Institut für Physikalische Biologie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Janine Kutzsche
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (L.C.C.); (D.H.); (D.W.); (J.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarah Schemmert
- Institute of Biological Information Processing, Structural Biochemistry (IBI-7), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (L.C.C.); (D.H.); (D.W.); (J.K.); (S.S.)
| | - Antje Willuweit
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Medical Imaging Physics (INM-4), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (M.S.); (N.S.); (N.J.S.); (K.-J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-2461-6196358
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Franco NH, Miranda SB, Kovács N, Nagy A, Thiện BQ, Reis F, Varga O. Assessing Scientific Soundness and Translational Value of Animal Studies on DPP4 Inhibitors for Treating Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:155. [PMID: 33669354 PMCID: PMC7920304 DOI: 10.3390/biology10020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a wide range of animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) used in research; we have limited evidence on their translation value. This paper provides a) a comparison of preclinical animal and clinical results on the effect of five dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors by comparing the pharmaceutical caused glucose changes, and b) an evaluation of methodological and reporting standards in T2DM preclinical animal studies. DPP4 inhibitors play an important role in the clinical management of T2DM: if metformin alone is not sufficient enough to control the blood sugar levels, DPP4 inhibitors are often used as second-line therapy; additionally, DPP-4 inhibitors are also used in triple therapies with metformin and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors or with metformin and insulin. In our analysis of 124 preclinical studies and 47 clinical trials, (1) we found no evidence of species differences in glucose change response to DPP4 inhibitors, which may suggest that, for this drug class, studies in mice and rats may be equally predictive of how well a drug will work in humans; and (2) there is good reporting of group size, sex, age, euthanasia method and self-reported compliance with animal welfare regulations in animal studies but poor reporting of justification of group size, along with a strong bias towards the use of male animals and young animals. Instead of the common non-transparent model selection, we call for a reflective and evidenced-based assessment of predictive validity of the animal models currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Henrique Franco
- Laboratory Animal Science Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (N.H.F.); (S.B.M.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sonia Batista Miranda
- Laboratory Animal Science Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (N.H.F.); (S.B.M.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação da Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nóra Kovács
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Attila Nagy
- Faculty of Public Health, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Bùi Quốc Thiện
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Flávio Reis
- Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Orsolya Varga
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Kassai út 26, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Office for Research Groups Attached to Universities and Other Institutions, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1051 Budapest, Hungary
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20
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Wessels AM, Edgar CJ, Nathan PJ, Siemers ER, Maruff P, Harrison J. Cognitive Go/No-Go decision-making criteria in Alzheimer's disease drug development. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1330-1336. [PMID: 33486115 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Go/No-Go decision making in early phase clinical trials is challenging for drug developers working in Alzheimer's disease. Recent negative trial results have been attributed to a lack of efficacy and important safety concerns. Furthermore, demonstrated target engagement has rarely translated into demonstrable clinical efficacy. Cognitive data might provide valuable insights at various points during drug development, and a thoughtful and robust set of decision-making criteria, specified a priori, can and should be applied under many circumstances. This review provides insights into how to utilize cognitive data for Go/No-Go decisions, with an emphasis on how these cognitive criteria differ depending on the context (e.g., stage of development, mechanism of action and trial design).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pradeep J Nathan
- Lundbeck, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK; School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | | | | | - John Harrison
- Metis Cognition Ltd, Kilmington Common, UK; Alzheimer Center AUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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21
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Dragunow M. Human Brain Neuropharmacology: A Platform for Translational Neuroscience. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2020; 41:777-792. [PMID: 32994050 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) drug development has been plagued by a failure to translate effective therapies from the lab to the clinic. There are many potential reasons for this, including poor understanding of brain pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) factors, preclinical study flaws, clinical trial design issues, the complexity and variability of human brain diseases, as well as species differences. To address some of these problems, we have developed a platform for CNS drug discovery comprising: drug screening of primary adult human brain cells; human brain tissue microarray analysis of drug targets; and high-content phenotypic screening methods. In this opinion, I summarise the theoretical basis and the practical development and use of this platform in CNS drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Dragunow
- Department of Pharmacology and Hugh Green Biobank, Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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22
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Levelling the Translational Gap for Animal to Human Efficacy Data. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071199. [PMID: 32679706 PMCID: PMC7401509 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reports of a reproducibility crisis combined with a high attrition rate in the pharmaceutical industry have put animal research increasingly under scrutiny in the past decade. Many researchers and the general public now question whether there is still a justification for conducting animal studies. While criticism of the current modus operandi in preclinical research is certainly warranted, the data on which these discussions are based are often unreliable. Several initiatives to address the internal validity and reporting quality of animal studies (e.g., Animals in Research: Reporting In Vivo Experiments (ARRIVE) and Planning Research and Experimental Procedures on Animals: Recommendations for Excellence (PREPARE) guidelines) have been introduced but seldom implemented. As for external validity, progress has been virtually absent. Nonetheless, the selection of optimal animal models of disease may prevent the conducting of clinical trials, based on unreliable preclinical data. Here, we discuss three contributions to tackle the evaluation of the predictive value of animal models of disease themselves. First, we developed the Framework to Identify Models of Disease (FIMD), the first step to standardise the assessment, validation and comparison of disease models. FIMD allows the identification of which aspects of the human disease are replicated in the animals, facilitating the selection of disease models more likely to predict human response. Second, we show an example of how systematic reviews and meta-analyses can provide another strategy to discriminate between disease models quantitatively. Third, we explore whether external validity is a factor in animal model selection in the Investigator's Brochure (IB), and we use the IB-derisk tool to integrate preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data in early clinical development. Through these contributions, we show how we can address external validity to evaluate the translatability and scientific value of animal models in drug development. However, while these methods have potential, it is the extent of their adoption by the scientific community that will define their impact. By promoting and adopting high quality study design and reporting, as well as a thorough assessment of the translatability of drug efficacy of animal models of disease, we will have robust data to challenge and improve the current animal research paradigm.
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23
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Alzheimer's Disease, and Breast and Prostate Cancer Research: Translational Failures and the Importance to Monitor Outputs and Impact of Funded Research. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10071194. [PMID: 32674379 PMCID: PMC7401638 DOI: 10.3390/ani10071194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dementia and cancer are becoming increasingly prevalent in Western countries. In the last two decades, research focused on Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer, in particular, breast cancer (BC) and prostate cancer (PC), has been substantially funded both in Europe and worldwide. While scientific research outcomes have contributed to increase our understanding of the disease etiopathology, still the prevalence of these chronic degenerative conditions remains very high across the globe. By definition, no model is perfect. In particular, animal models of AD, BC, and PC have been and still are traditionally used in basic/fundamental, translational, and preclinical research to study human disease mechanisms, identify new therapeutic targets, and develop new drugs. However, animals do not adequately model some essential features of human disease; therefore, they are often unable to pave the way to the development of drugs effective in human patients. The rise of new technological tools and models in life science, and the increasing need for multidisciplinary approaches have encouraged many interdisciplinary research initiatives. With considerable funds being invested in biomedical research, it is becoming pivotal to define and apply indicators to monitor the contribution to innovation and impact of funded research. Here, we discuss some of the issues underlying translational failure in AD, BC, and PC research, and describe how indicators could be applied to retrospectively measure outputs and impact of funded biomedical research.
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Mullane K, Williams M. Alzheimer’s disease beyond amyloid: Can the repetitive failures of amyloid-targeted therapeutics inform future approaches to dementia drug discovery? Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 177:113945. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.113945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pound P, Ritskes-Hoitinga M. Can prospective systematic reviews of animal studies improve clinical translation? J Transl Med 2020; 18:15. [PMID: 31918734 PMCID: PMC6953128 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-02205-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systematic reviews are powerful tools with the potential to generate high quality evidence. Their application to animal studies has been instrumental in exposing the poor quality of these studies, as well as a catalyst for improvements in study design, conduct and reporting. It has been suggested that prospective systematic reviews of animal studies (i.e. systematic reviews conducted prior to clinical trials) would allow scrutiny of the preclinical evidence, providing valuable information on safety and efficacy, and helping to determine whether clinical trials should proceed. However, while prospective systematic reviews allow valuable scrutiny of the preclinical animal data, they are not necessarily able to reliably predict the safety and efficacy of an intervention when trialled in humans. Consequently, they may not reliably safeguard humans participating in clinical trials and might potentially result in lost opportunities for beneficial clinical treatments. Furthermore, animal and human studies are often conducted concurrently, which not only makes prospective systematic reviews of animal studies impossible, but suggests that animal studies do not inform human studies in the manner presumed. We suggest that this points to a confused attitude regarding animal studies, whereby tradition demands that they precede human studies but practice indicates that their findings are often ignored. We argue that it is time to assess the relative contributions of animal and human research in order to better understand how clinical knowledge is actually produced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pandora Pound
- Safer Medicines Trust, PO Box 122, Kingsbridge, TQ7 9AX, UK.
| | - Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, Route 133, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Busscher HJ, Woudstra W, van Kooten TG, Jutte P, Shi L, Liu J, Hinrichs WLJ, Frijlink HW, Shi R, Liu J, Parvizi J, Kates S, Rotello VM, Schaer TP, Williams D, Grainger DW, van der Mei HC. Accepting higher morbidity in exchange for sacrificing fewer animals in studies developing novel infection-control strategies. Biomaterials 2019; 232:119737. [PMID: 31901693 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Preventing bacterial infections from becoming the leading cause of death by the year 2050 requires the development of novel, infection-control strategies, building heavily on biomaterials science, including nanotechnology. Pre-clinical (animal) studies are indispensable for this development. Often, animal infection outcomes bear little relation to human clinical outcome. Here, we review conclusions from pathogen-inoculum dose-finding pilot studies for evaluation of novel infection-control strategies in murine models. Pathogen-inoculum doses are generally preferred that produce the largest differences in quantitative infection outcome parameters between a control and an experimental group, without death or termination of animals due to having reached an inhumane end-point during the study. However, animal death may represent a better end-point for evaluation than large differences in outcome parameters or number of days over which infection persists. The clinical relevance of lower pre-clinical outcomes, such as bioluminescence, colony forming units (CFUs) retrieved or more rapid clearance of infection is unknown, as most animals cure infection without intervention, depending on pathogen-species and pathogen-inoculum dose administered. In human clinical practice, patients suffering from infection present to hospital emergency wards, frequently in life-threatening conditions. Animal infection-models should therefore use prevention of death and recurrence of infection as primary efficacy targets to be addressed by novel strategies. To compensate for increased animal morbidity and mortality, animal experiments should solely be conducted for pre-clinical proof of principle and safety. With the advent of sophisticated in vitro models, we advocate limiting use of animal models when exploring pathogenesis or infection mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk J Busscher
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Willem Woudstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theo G van Kooten
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Jutte
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center of Groningen, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Linqi Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, PR China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, PR China
| | - Wouter L J Hinrichs
- University of Groningen, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrik W Frijlink
- University of Groningen, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rui Shi
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Rd, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM), Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Carbon-Based Functional Materials & Devices, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Soochow University, 199 Ren'ai Rd, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Javad Parvizi
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sheridan Building, Suite 1000, 125 South 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Stephen Kates
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 1200 E. Broad St, Richmond, VA, 23059-0153, USA
| | - Vincent M Rotello
- University of Massachusetts, Department of Chemistry, 710 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Thomas P Schaer
- University of Pennsylvania, Department of Clinical Studies New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA, USA
| | - Dustin Williams
- University of Utah, Department of Orthopaedics, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs, Salt Lake City, UT, 84148, USA
| | - David W Grainger
- University of Utah, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Henny C van der Mei
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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27
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Smith AJ, Lilley E. The Role of the Three Rs in Improving the Planning and Reproducibility of Animal Experiments. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E975. [PMID: 31739641 PMCID: PMC6912437 DOI: 10.3390/ani9110975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Training in the design of animal experiments focuses all too often on those aspects which can be approached mathematically, such as the number of animals needed to deliver a robust result, allocation of group size, and techniques such as randomization, blocking and statistical analysis. Important as they are, these are only a small part of the process of planning animal experiments. Additional key elements include refinements of housing, husbandry and procedures, health and safety, and attention at all stages to animal welfare. Advances in technology and laboratory animal science have led to improvements in care and husbandry, better provision of anesthetics and analgesics, refined methods of drug administration, greater competence in welfare assessment and application of humane endpoints. These improvements require continual dialogue between scientists, facility managers and technical staff, a practice that is a key feature of what has become known as the culture of care. This embodies a commitment to improving animal welfare, scientific quality, staff care and transparency for all stakeholders. Attention to both the physical and mental health of all those directly or indirectly involved in animal research is now an important part of the process of planning and conducting animal experiments. Efforts during the last 30 years to increase the internal and external validity of animal experiments have tended to concentrate on the production of guidelines to improve the quality of reporting animal experiments, rather than for planning them. Recently, comprehensive guidelines for planning animal studies have been published, to redress this imbalance. These will be described in this paper. Endorsement of this overarching influence of the Three R concept, by all the stakeholders, will not only reduce animal numbers and improve animal welfare, but also lead to more reliable and reproducible research which should improve translation of pre-clinical studies into tangible clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian J. Smith
- Norecopa, c/o Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway
| | - Elliot Lilley
- Science Group, Research Animals Department, RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9RS, UK;
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28
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White JD, Urbano CM, Taylor JO, Peterman JL, Cooksey M, Eimerbrink M, Eriksson MD, Cooper BG, Chumley MJ, Boehm GW. Intraventricular murine Aβ infusion elicits hippocampal inflammation and disrupts the consolidation, but not retrieval, of conditioned fear in C57BL6/J mice. Behav Brain Res 2019; 378:112303. [PMID: 31622640 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Although one of the defining characteristics of Alzheimer's disease is the presence of amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques, the early accumulation of soluble Aβ oligomers (AβOs) may disrupt synaptic function and trigger cognitive impairments long before the appearance of plaques. Furthermore, murine models aimed at understanding how AβOs alter formation and retrieval of associative memories are conducted using human Aβ species, which are more neurotoxic in the mouse brain than the native murine species. Unfortunately, there is currently a lack of attention in the literature as to what the murine version of the peptide (mAβ) does to synaptic function and how it impacts the consolidation and retrieval of associative memories. In the current study, adult mice were infused with mAβ 0, 2, 6, or 46 h after contextual-fear conditioning, and were tested 2-48 h later. Interestingly, only mAβ infusions within 2 h of training reduced freezing behavior at test, indicating that mAβ disrupted the consolidation, but not retrieval of fear memory. This consolidation deficit coincided with increased IL-1β and reduced synaptophysin mRNA levels, without disrupting other synaptic signaling-related genes here examined. Despite differences between murine and human Aβ, the deleterious functional outcomes of early-stage synaptic oligomer presence are similar. Thus, models utilizing or inducing the production of mAβ in non-transgenic animals are useful in exploring the role of dysregulated synaptic plasticity and resultant learning deficits induced by Aβ oligomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D White
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - C M Urbano
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J O Taylor
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - J L Peterman
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - M Cooksey
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - M Eimerbrink
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - M D Eriksson
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - B G Cooper
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - M J Chumley
- The Department of Biology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
| | - G W Boehm
- The Department of Psychology, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, United States.
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