Mouse models of cystic fibrosis: Phenotypic analysis and research applications

• Published in: Journal of cystic fibrosis Vol. 10; pp. S152 - S171
• Main Authors: Wilke, Martina, Buijs-Offerman, Ruvalic M., Aarbiou, Jamil, Colledge, William H., Sheppard, David N., Touqui, Lhousseine, Bot, Alice, Jorna, Huub, De Jonge, Hugo R., Scholte, Bob J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2011
• Subjects: Animal models; Animals; Biomedical Research - trends; CFTR mice; Cystic fibrosis; Cystic Fibrosis - genetics; Cystic Fibrosis - physiopathology; Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator - genetics; Disease Models, Animal; F508del-CFTR; Humans; Intestinal disease; Lung disease; Mice; Mice, Inbred CFTR; Mice, Mutant Strains; Phenotype; Pulmonary/Respiratory; Lung disease; Cystic fibrosis; Intestinal disease; Animal models; F508del-CFTR; CFTR mice
• ISSN: 1569-1993; 1873-5010; 1873-5010
• DOI: 10.1016/S1569-1993(11)60020-9

Genetically modified mice have been studied for more than fifteen years as models of cystic fibrosis (CF). The large amount of experimental data generated illuminates the complex multi-organ pathology of CF and raises new questions relevant to human disease. CF mice have also been used to test experimental therapies prior to clinical trials. This review recapitulates the major phenotypic traits of CF mice and highlights important new findings including aberrant alveolar macrophages, bone and cartilage abnormalities and abnormal bioactive lipid metabolism. Novel data are presented on the intestinal and nasal physiology of F508del-CFTR CF mice backcrossed onto different genetic backgrounds. Caveats, and sources of variability including age, gender and animal husbandry, are discussed. Interspecies differences limit comparison of lung pathology in CF mice to the human disease. The recent development of genetically modified pigs and ferrets heralds the application of more advanced animal models to CF research and drug development.