Construction and Application of Chemical-Induced Models
Jack (Jie) Huang MD, PhD
Chief Scientist I Founder/CEO I Visiting Professor I Medical Science Writer I Inventor I STEM Educator
Chemically induced models are a key approach to studying disease mechanisms in biomedical research, particularly in the fields of cancer and toxicology. These models involve the administration of specific chemicals that induce pathological changes, mimicking the disease state in animals. The construction of these models often begins with the selection of chemical agents known to induce disease-associated mutations or alterations in biological pathways.
For example, carcinogens such as DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene) or MNU (N-methyl-N-nitrosourea) are often used to induce cancer models. These agents cause DNA mutations in specific tissues, leading to the development of tumors. Researchers can control the dose, timing, and method of chemical exposure (oral, topical, or injection) to generate different cancer models, such as skin cancer, lung cancer, or breast cancer. These models allow the study of tumor initiation, progression, and the effects of potential therapeutic interventions in a controlled environment.
Chemically induced models are also widely used in liver disease research. Agents such as CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride) can be used to induce liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, providing models for studying liver injury, regeneration, and therapeutic interventions. Similarly, streptozotocin can be used to generate models of diabetes by selectively destroying pancreatic beta cells, mimicking the insulin deficiency seen in human patients.
One of the main advantages of chemically induced models is their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, as they do not require complex genetic modifications. However, they often lack the specificity of genetically modified models, as the effects of chemicals can vary depending on dose and biological factors, making standardization a challenge.
Overall, chemically induced models provide valuable insights into disease mechanisms and therapeutic testing, particularly for cancer, liver disease, and metabolic disorders.
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References
[1] Stefan Wirtz et al., Nature Protocols 2017 (https://doi.org/10.1038/nprot.2017.044 )
[2] Shuheng Wen et al., Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience 2020 (10.3389/fncel.2020.581191)
[3] Alexandru Blidisel et al., Cancers 2021 (https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13153651 )