Mice serve as crucial contributors to numerous aspects of biomedical research, driving forward scientific understanding and enabling medical advancements related to a broad spectrum of diseases including cancer, genetic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases. Owing to their exceptional genetic similarity to humans, straightforward breeding processes, and brief lifespans, mice can be effectively used to study disease progression. The indispensable role of mice became particularly evident during the research and development process for Covid-19 vaccines. Additionally, mice contribute considerably to research in the fields of infectious diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, aging and drug development.

Importance of Mice in Biomedical Research

Mice share a staggering 95% of genes that manufacture proteins with humans, making them prime models for in-depth human disease studies. Researchers can manipulate their genomes to activate or deactivate genes, effectively studying the impact of such changes. Due to their short lifespan and effectiveness in breeding, the progression of diseases can be scrutinized over time, facilitating swift research advancements.

What Animals are Used in Neuroscience Research?

Mice serve as focal research subjects in the realm of neuroscience research. They are employed in the study of various infectious diseases such as influenza, hepatitis, and even the deadly Ebola virus. Apart from disease studies, mice are extensively used in the testing phase of new drug efficacy and safety. They also serve a basic research function, aiding in the understanding of body functions, genes, proteins, and disease stages.

Mice and Covid-19

Mice stood as fundamental pillars during the swift development process of Covid-19 vaccines. ‘Humanised’ mice, genetically altered to contract the SARS-CoV-2 virus, allowed for close examination and understanding of the disease.

Mice and Cancer

Mice-driven research has drastically overhauled numerous cancer survival rates. Significant treatment advancements, such as the revolutionary monoclonal antibody treatment Herceptin for breast cancer, were made possible through research in mice.

Mice and Neurodegenerative Conditions

Mice offer revelations into neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Huntingdon’s disease. They grant researchers the opportunity to scrutinize new treatment options**** and gauge potential drug success before transition to human trials.

Mice in Cardiovascular Research

Mice hold undeniable importance in research related to heart diseases. Their genetically adjustable nature enables researchers to closely study the role of specific genes and proteins in the progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Mice in Aging Research

Researchers also use mice to comprehend the aging process and related diseases. By studying aging mice, scientists can understand the molecular and cellular changes that occur in the aging process, leading to advancements in the development of treatments for aging-associated diseases.

Mice in Drug Development

Mice play a significant role in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics studies that form the basis of any drug development process. These studies help researchers understand how a drug moves within the body, which is crucial for evaluating the safety and efficacy of new drugs.

Efforts to Reduce Mice Use in Research

In accordance with EU directives, non-animal alternative methods should be employed wherever possible, and research animals should be used solely when there are no suitable alternatives available. New approach methodologies (NAMs) are surfacing as possible alternatives to animal studies. The ‘bred but not used’ process for genetically altered mice is currently being refined to mitigate the number of animals required for research.

Mice play an integral role in biomedical research given their close genetic correlation to human beings. They offer invaluable insights into a multitude of diseases and various medical conditions. Despite continuous efforts to minimize, substitute and refine animal use in research through EU Directives and the development of new approach methodologies (NAMs), mice remain an invaluable model organism in the realm of biomedical research.