Swine in Biomedical Research Conference 2005, Chicago, IL. Abstract S9.
Based on the pig’s anatomical and physiological similarities to humans, swine models possess great utility in biomedical research. Because the pig and human genomes are structured with high similarity, the use of comparative mapping further solidifies its value as an animal model. Genomic and tissue microarrays are just beginning to be appreciated for their investigative power in animal models. As porcine-specific genomic information becomes increasingly available, characterization and adoption of pigs as human models in many disease categories will accelerate. There is still much to explore beyond the pig's already proven value in immunology, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, orthopedics, and dermatology/wound healing. Initiatives are warranted in new zoonotic diseases, biodefense, behavior/neurological imaging, and gnotobiology. The sequencing of the pig genome through an international consortium will provide sequence information that can be used to construct relevant biomedical models. By capturing sequence information and creating appropriate models to study pathogenesis, a new means of diagnosing and treating life style-related diseases using the pig as a model will become a reality. Furthermore, the increasing shortage of donor organs for transplantation has lead to a search for suitable xenograft organs. Pigs are now considered the primary candidate donor animal. It is generally accepted that natural antibodies and their complement play a major role in xenograft rejection. The ability to genetically modify and clone pigs provides a unique opportunity for understanding the mechanisms of graft rejection and to create clinical therapies. Thus, by effectively uniting enabling technologies and experimental design, the pig may be used to create ideal biomedical models for defining the disease process and intervention strategies.