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Utility of Small Animal Models of Developmental Programming

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Investigations of Early Nutrition Effects on Long-Term Health

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1735))

Abstract

Any effective strategy to tackle the global obesity and rising noncommunicable disease epidemic requires an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that underlie these conditions that manifest as a consequence of complex gene-environment interactions. In this context, it is now well established that alterations in the early life environment, including suboptimal nutrition, can result in an increased risk for a range of metabolic, cardiovascular, and behavioral disorders in later life, a process preferentially termed developmental programming. To date, most of the mechanistic knowledge around the processes underpinning development programming has been derived from preclinical research performed mostly, but not exclusively, in laboratory mouse and rat strains. This review will cover the utility of small animal models in developmental programming, the limitations of such models, and potential future directions that are required to fully maximize information derived from preclinical models in order to effectively translate to clinical use.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

    Clare M. Reynolds & Mark H. Vickers

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  1. Clare M. Reynolds
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  2. Mark H. Vickers
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Correspondence to Mark H. Vickers .

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  1. Debden, Essex, United Kingdom

    Paul C. Guest

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Reynolds, C.M., Vickers, M.H. (2018). Utility of Small Animal Models of Developmental Programming. In: Guest, P. (eds) Investigations of Early Nutrition Effects on Long-Term Health. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1735. Humana Press, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7614-0_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-7614-0_8

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  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4939-7613-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4939-7614-0

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