Models to Research Microbiome
In this article, we will discuss the commonly used model organisms for microbiome research, and what insights they can provide.
Modeling Gut Microbiome Effects in Alternative Animal Models – Finding the Happy Biota for a Long and Healthy Life
In our most recent white paper we aim to answer the questions – What is the microbiome? How does it help or hinder health? And, what does recent research indicate?
The Application of Hypersensitivity Assays to the Discovery of Therapeutics
Using Humanization we can take advantage of the ancient biology between humans and other organisms to create stand-ins – patient avatars – for drug screening studies. In this blog, we will focus on models of inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), as these genetic conditions can lead to hypersensitivity to the metabolite. Since stressor condition hypersensitivity can be used to detect favorable drug effects, IEM model systems are ideal tools for phenotypic screens to find molecules that alleviate the metabolic stress occurring from the deficiency. We discuss the model organisms used in hypersensitivity screens, and why they are advantageous to drug discovery. Ultimately, showcasing this approach’s potential to be widely generalized to many genetic disorders.
The Good, Bad and the Ugly of Reactive Oxygen Species
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals that have been found to extend lifespan at low levels, however, they are lethal at higher doses. So is the saying ‘what doesn’t kill you make you stronger’ true? Or should free radicals be avoided as much as possible? In this article we discuss the current paradoxical findings, and focus on genetic disorders such as Progeria which is characterized by rapid aging and elevated ROS levels.
The Path to Affordable Therapeutics in Rare Disease – Tackling Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation in the PMM2 gene.
Rare diseases are just that: rare. However, when combined rare diseases affect 3.5% – 5.9% of the worldwide population, and present a growing healthcare issue. In this article we talk with Dr Sangetha lyer about her work at the biotech Perlara and highlight their recent successes in a drug repurposing campaign for PMM2-CDG.
Hey People ….its SSSH! time – Getting Easier Integration via Transgenesis Innovation
Bottom line: Getting some SSSH! time with this split-hygR technique can calm the frustration of the aggravated C. elegans researcher.
Whole Gene Humanization for Personalized Medicine Applications
We have found whole gene humanization can create a platform for highly translatable results in a model organism. Currently there is a big need for functional studies of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS).
Zebrafish Modeling of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility in Rare Disease
Using zebrafish modeling in a rare human disease may be the perfect physiologic model to better understand the disease and generate more individualized therapeutic medical responses and positive outcomes for higher risk COVID-19 groups.
The Challenge of Getting CRISPR-based Knock-ins to Work in Zebrafish
We take a look into why so many zebrafish groups struggle to achieve knock-in transgenesis and what makes knock-ins so difficult.
Arg…What’s up with that? Arginine is Enriched in Pathogenic Variants
Our CSO explores a theory he has about the amino acid arginine which seems to be showing frequent association with pathogenicity.