Animal Models of Pancreatic Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Animal models play a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of pancreatic diseases, including pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and diabetes. These models, predominantly rodents, provide valuable insights into the etiology, pathogenesis and potential therapeutic interventions for these conditions. For example, in the context of pancreatitis, both acute and chronic forms have been replicated in rodents through methods such as cerulein administration or ethanol exposure. These studies have been instrumental in elucidating the inflammatory cascades and fibrotic changes observed in human pancreatitis and have helped identify potential therapeutic targets. In the realm of pancreatic cancer research, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) simulate human pancreatic cancer development by introducing key mutations such as Kras, p53 and Smad4 mutations. This enables researchers to investigate various stages of tumor development, from initiation to metastasis. Additionally, xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, that involve the transplantation of human tumor cells or tissues into mice, provide invaluable platforms for testing novel anticancer therapies and personalized medicine approaches. In diabetes research, several animal models have been employed to study both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. For instance, the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model has played a pivotal role in elucidating the autoimmune basis of type 1 diabetes. Chemically induced models, such as streptozotocin-treated rodents, closely mimic the beta-cell destruction characteristic of autoimmune diabetes, and have helped delineate underlying mechanisms, discover novel immunotherapies for promoting islet or pancreas graft survival, and identify potential regenerative therapies. Diet-induced obesity rodents and genetically modified mice (e.g., ob/ob and db/db) have been instrumental in replicating insulin resistance and obesity, key features of type 2 diabetes, and facilitating research on insulin signaling pathways and glucose metabolism. Animal models also serve as vital platforms for the preclinical testing of potential treatments, guiding therapeutic development and contributing to improved patient outcomes in pancreatic diseases. This Special Issue explores novel and diverse animal models used in pancreatic disease research, and highlights the key findings and contributions made to date. 

Dr. Preeti Chhabra
Dr. Kenneth Brayman
Guest Editors

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• animal models
• pancreatic diseases
• pancreatitis
• pancreatic cancer
• diabetes
• pathogenesis
• therapeutic targets
• preclinical testing