Shanghai is a prominent global center for model organism research. These non-human species are studied to unravel biological phenomena, providing insights into other organisms, including humans. This research leverages shared evolutionary heritage and conserved biological pathways across species.
Understanding Model Organisms
Model organisms are non-human species studied to comprehend biological processes. They are chosen for traits like ease of breeding, short life cycles, and genetic similarities to humans, making them practical for laboratory research. Their use allows for studying disease progression and biological mechanisms in controlled environments without ethical concerns associated with human experimentation.
Common examples include:
The mouse (Mus musculus), a widely used mammalian model due to its genetic similarity to humans and relatively short generation time.
The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), valued for its genetic manipulability and rapid development.
The zebrafish (Danio rerio), which shares a high percentage of disease-related genes with humans and produces many transparent offspring.
The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, a simple organism used to study cell death and developmental biology.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), which serves as a simple eukaryotic model for cell cycle and cancer research.
Shanghai’s Prominence in Model Organism Research
Shanghai has emerged as a leading hub for model organism research due to strategic investments and advanced facilities. The Chinese government actively supports the biomedical industry, fostering innovation in drug discovery. This support has contributed to the growth of institutions and companies specializing in model organisms within Shanghai.
The Shanghai Model Organisms Center, Inc. (SMOC), founded in 2000, exemplifies this growth, focusing on gene editing and providing genetically engineered animal models. SMOC leverages advanced gene editing technologies, including CRISPR/Cas9, to create precise genetic modifications in animal models, offering a faster and more cost-effective approach. SMOC maintains a repository of over 6,000 off-the-shelf mouse models and has established more than 11,000 genetically engineered mouse prototypes.
Key Research Applications
Model organisms developed in Shanghai are instrumental in various research areas, yielding insights into human health. These models are widely employed in studies concerning human diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic conditions. Genetically engineered mouse models, for instance, are crucial for understanding cancer complexities, including immuno-oncology studies and therapeutic antibody development.
Shanghai’s research also uses model organisms to investigate neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, contributing to understanding their molecular and genetic origins. These models support drug discovery and testing, allowing researchers to evaluate potential treatments. The ability to manipulate genes and observe outcomes accelerates identifying disease-causing genes and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Broader Scientific Contributions
The work in model organisms conducted in Shanghai impacts the global scientific community. Research institutions and companies in Shanghai contribute to international scientific collaboration through partnerships and sharing genetic resources. Shanghai Model Organisms Center, for example, distributes its genetically engineered mouse models globally, expanding access for academic and private researchers.
This collaborative approach accelerates global scientific progress by disseminating new research methodologies and findings. The development of advanced gene editing techniques in Shanghai, such as their precise CRISPR/Cas9 platform, influences research practices internationally. Providing access to specialized animal models, Shanghai’s efforts contribute to understanding global health challenges and fostering innovation in biomedical research.