Genetically Engineered Animals Help In Scientific Research That May Benefit Children
- Date:
- September 22, 2005
- Source:
- Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Summary:
- The recent use of genetically modified mice and rats in combination with an animal model of obstructive nephropathy, a type of renal disease, has given researchers new insight in the development of kidney disease. This research is published in the September issue of Kidney International.
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Sept. 21, 2005 - The recent use of genetically modified mice and ratsin combination with an animal model of obstructive nephropathy, a typeof renal disease, has given researchers new insight in the developmentof kidney disease. This research is published in the September issue ofKidney International.
"Chronic kidney disease is difficult to study since it takes a fairamount of time to install," states Joost P. Schanstra, Ph.D. of theInstituit Louis Bugnard inFrance. "This animal model has the advantageof mimicking in a short time the different stages of chronic kidneydisease. The combination of genetically engineered animals and thisanimal model has helped us to decide which molecules to study, or whichmight be interesting targets for drug development in human chronickidney disease."
Obstructive nephropathy or obstructive uropathy, the kidneydisease on which this animal model is based, is frequently found inchildren and is the first cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).According to the article, ESRD represents 16.1% of all pediatrictransplantations in North America.
This study is published in Kidney International.
Researchers Joost P. Schanstra and Jean-Loup Bascands currentlyhead the Renal Fibrosis Laboratory, which is part of the nationalinstitute of health and medical research (Inserm) in Toulouse, France.The RF-lab is fully able to design and carry out clinical researchfocused on newborn and childhood nephropathies and is currentlydeveloping research including prevention, mechanism and reversal oftubulointerstitial fibrosis.
About Kidney International
Kidney International, published on behalf of the International Societyof Nephrology, is one of the most cited journals in nephrology. KidneyInternational delivers current laboratory and clinical research onrenal medicine. This peer-reviewed, leading international journal isthe most authoritative forum for renal science and medicine. KidneyInternational continues to be a vital source of information forresearchers around the world. For additional information on thejournal, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/kid.
About the International Society of Nephrology
The International Society of Nephrology (ISN), a not-for-profitassociation founded in 1960, is committed to the worldwide advancementof education, science and patient care in nephrology. This goal isachieved by means of the Society's journals, the organization ofinternational congresses and symposia, and various outreach programsaround the world. The ISN acts as an international forum on nephrologyfor leading nephrologists as well as young investigators, from bothdeveloped and emerging countries. Further information is available at www.isn-online.org.
About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher,partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies.Blackwell publishes over 750 journals annually and, to date haspublished close to 6,000 text and reference books, across a wide rangeof academic, medical, and professional subjects.
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