Using the mouse to model human disease: increasing validity and reproducibility

Experiments that use the mouse as a model for disease have recently come under scrutiny because of the repeated failure of data, particularly derived from preclinical studies, to be replicated or translated to humans. The usefulness of mouse models has been questioned because of irreproducibility an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disease models & mechanisms 2016-02, Vol.9 (2), p.101-103
Main Authors: Justice, Monica J, Dhillon, Paraminder
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Bias
Data analysis
Disease
Disease Models, Animal
Experiments
Gene expression
Humans
Laboratories
Mice
Reproducibility
Validity
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Summary:Experiments that use the mouse as a model for disease have recently come under scrutiny because of the repeated failure of data, particularly derived from preclinical studies, to be replicated or translated to humans. The usefulness of mouse models has been questioned because of irreproducibility and poor recapitulation of human conditions. Newer studies, however, point to bias in reporting results and improper data analysis as key factors that limit reproducibility and validity of preclinical mouse research. Inaccurate and incomplete descriptions of experimental conditions also contribute. Here, we provide guidance on best practice in mouse experimentation, focusing on appropriate selection and validation of the model, sources of variation and their influence on phenotypic outcomes, minimum requirements for control sets, and the importance of rigorous statistics. Our goal is to raise the standards in mouse disease modeling to enhance reproducibility, reliability and clinical translation of findings.
ISSN:1754-8403
1754-8411
1754-8411
1754-8403
DOI:10.1242/dmm.024547