Human brain disorders represent a significant
global public health challenge. However, existing rodent models display
profound limitations due to marked differences from humans in brain structural
complexity, social behavioral characteristics, and disease progression, thereby
impeding the effective translation of basic research into clinical
applications. Although non-human primates are closer to humans in certain
aspects, their widespread use is severely constrained by high costs and strict
ethical and conservation regulations. In contrast, domestic dogs possess brain
structures highly similar to those of humans, exhibit advanced social cognitive
abilities, and are compatible with clinical diagnostic and assessment systems
used in humans, making them an increasingly attractive model for studying human
brain disorders. With the advancement of genome-editing technologies such as
CRISPR/Cas9, genetic manipulation in dogs has progressed rapidly. To date, multiple
canine models of human brain diseases have been successfully established
worldwide, including Shank3-mutant models for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
and DJ-1-deficient models for Parkinson’s disease (PD), providing
powerful experimental systems for both fundamental research and translational
applications. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in
genetically modified canine models for human brain diseases,
with a particular focus on their biological advantages, key technological breakthroughs,
and future application prospects. In addition, we discuss current technical
challenges and potential strategies to address them. Looking ahead, by
integrating developments in modeling brain diseases, therapy efficacy
assessment, and multimodal detection technologies like
imaging-electrophysiology, domestic dogs hold promise as important model organisms
for both basic and preclinical research on human brain disorders.
Shijing Chen, Pengju Qi, Zipeng Yu, Hui Zhao, Shan Jin, Yong Q. Zhang, Chuan-Xi Mao
. Gene-edited canine models for brain disorders[J]. Hereditas(Beijing), 0
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DOI: 10.16288/j.yczz.26-018