Animal models

Animal models

Animal models play a fundamental role in biomedical research. They help us better understand how the human body functions, investigate the origins of various diseases, and test new treatments under conditions that closely mimic reality.

In RQR, all research involving animals is conducted in strict compliance with ethical standards and protocols approved by animal care. These protocols ensure that animals are treated with care, that their use is scientifically justified, and that efforts are made to minimize both their number and their discomfort.

In the field of reproduction, researchers from the RQR use a variety of animal models to explore the functioning of reproductive organs, embryology, and the causes of infertility.

Mouse

The mouse is currently the most widely used model organism in biomedical research. It is of great interest to researchers due to its genetic code being very similar to that of humans, with some genes being nearly identical between the two species.

Eric Asselin’s laboratory uses genetically modified mice to study how specific signaling pathways influence embryo implantation in the uterus. These studies also provide insights into certain gynecological cancers.

Derek Boerboom, for his part, focuses on the signaling pathways that regulate the function of ovaries and testes. Using murine (mouse) models, his team has shown that pathways such as Wnt and Hippo—well known for their role in embryonic development—also play critical roles in adulthood, particularly in fertility and cancer development.

To study developmental disorders (particularly neurological) in children, Serge McGraw’s team uses mouse embryos, embryonic stem cells, and patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), as well as neurons and 3D cortical organoids. The team also uses multiomics and bioinformatics analysis.

Nicolas Pilon’s team is using a new mouse model discovered by chance, which sparked their interest in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition that affects women and can lead to infertility.

Bruce Murphy’s lab uses transgenic mouse models to study ovarian development.

To address preeclampsia, a dangerous pregnancy complication, Julie L. Lavoie has characterized a new mouse model that allows for a more detailed study of the mechanisms underlying this condition.

Sylvie Breton uses mice to study the role of the epididymis, a small but essential organ for sperm maturation that remains poorly understood. Her research has revealed that certain epithelial cells in the epididymis directly interact with sperm and contribute to their protection against infections.

Nematodes

Nematodes, or worms, are also widely used in biomedical research. One of the classic models, the worm C. elegans, is used in the research of Jean-Claude Labbé, who studies the various properties of germline stem cells.

Fruit flies

Jullien Flynn uses the fruit fly, a small insect widely used in genetic research, as a model to study the impact of satellite DNA on male and female reproduction.

 

Pigs and non-human primates

The pig is another widely used animal model due to its close anatomical, physiological, and metabolic resemblance to humans. Vilceu Bordignon develops genetically modified pigs that mimic certain human diseases. His team employs advanced technologies such as cloning and embryo culture to create models that are valuable for studying various developmental and metabolic disorders.

Karina Gutierrez and Werner Giehl Glanzner use pigs and non-human primates in their research. Karina Gutierrez studies the early stages of embryonic development in pigs. Using genetic modification techniques such as CRISPR/Cas, her team investigates the role of key genes in development. Werner Giehl Glanzner focuses on epigenetic regulation during embryonic development.

New models

Ethical considerations and other constraints often limit the use of human embryos in research. In this context, it is necessary to rely on alternative biological models to advance scientific knowledge. Sophie Petropoulos’s team has developed the guinea pig model as an alternative to study human preimplantation development.