Animal Models of Human Pathology: Revision, Relevance and Refinements (4th Edition)
A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Translational Medicine".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 July 2026 | Viewed by 7387
Editor
Interests: challenges in animal model research; translation; unbiased reporting of animal model characteristics and results; ethical justification
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The use of animal models of human pathology is accepted on the assumption that it benefits humans. However, recent publications have shown that research on animals faces serious challenges. The increasing number of potential targets, molecular pathways, and treatment strategies that have been recognized as promising in animal models have failed when translated into human trials. We have reached the point where the clinical relevance of animal models needs urgent clarification.
Multiple methodological problems in animal research have already been exposed, such as poor experimental design, inadequate use of fundamental statistical principles (i.e., randomization, blinding, inadequate power, inadequate sample size, pseudo-replication, etc.), and nontransparent reporting, which results in low scientific validity and irreproducibility of results. However, research on animal models also requires comprehensive knowledge about the model, as well as an understanding of the complex pathogenesis of diseases, which involves both local and systemic effects in the body. Every animal model has its own characteristics, advantages and limitations. There are factors specific to the disease or animal model that can influence not only the severity of the disease but also underlying mechanisms, and, when these factors are not taken into account, research may result in the discovery of new targets and disease pathways that are of no scientific or clinical value. There are also animal-model-specific factors that can seriously affect the results and lead to false conclusions and failed translation. Although the overall animal health and welfare issues—such as animal clinical state, morbidity, mortality, humane endpoints and humane interventions, whole body necropsy findings, sampling principles and pathohistological diagnosis—are of vital importance in the interpretation of the molecular mechanisms or treatment strategies in an organism, this information is usually lacking or rarely properly addressed in animal model studies.
The purpose of this Special Issue is thus to promote high-quality papers of basic research using animal models to understand diseases and underlying mechanisms or to investigate new treatment strategies in various human diseases such as cancer, bowel diseases, kidney injury, and Parkinson’s disease, among others. New approaches towards the use of animal models or refinements of particular animal models of human pathology, as well as methodological and welfare principles (such as experimental design and welfare or supportive measures in animal models), are also welcome.
Dr. Martina Perše
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- animal models
- biomarkers
- human disease
- pathology
- translation
- mechanisms
- nephrology
- gastroenterology
- urology
- neuroscience
- cancer
- experimental design
- reproducibility
- refinements
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Related Special Issues
- Animal Models of Human Pathology: Revision, Relevance and Refinements in Biomedicines (23 articles)
- Animal Models of Human Pathology: Revision, Relevance and Refinements 2.0 in Biomedicines (10 articles)
- Animal Models of Human Pathology: Revision, Relevance and Refinements (3rd Edition) in Biomedicines (11 articles)
