title: Efficacy of the porcine species in biomedical research.
abstract: Since domestication, pigs have been used extensively in agriculture and kept as companion animals. More recently they have been used in biomedical research, given they share many physiological and anatomical similarities with humans. Recent technological advances in assisted reproduction, somatic cell cloning, stem cell culture, genome editing, and transgenesis now enable the creation of unique porcine models of human diseases. Here, we highlight the potential applications and advantages of using pigs, particularly minipigs, as indispensable large animal models in fundamental and clinical research, including the development of therapeutics for inherited and chronic disorders, and cancers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Naomi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dicks
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Werner G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Glanzner
authors.affiliation: School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Luis B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Agellon
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Vilceu
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bordignon
keywords: Large animal models; biomedical research; clones; minipigs; pigs; swine; transgenics