This web page was produced as an assignment for Genetics 564, an undergraduate capstone course at UW-Madison.
What are model organisms?
Model organisms are non-human species that scientists use to study and understand biological processes. [1] Model organisms are useful in genetic research because they generally breed in large numbers, have a short generation time, and allow scientists to study mutations. [1]
What model organism is best for studying StAR and PCOS?
The Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus) has served as a reliable model organism in several studies related to PCOS. [2,3] Rats are easy to house and care for due to their small size and they are physiologically very similar to humans which makes them ideal for studying human disease. [4] Additionally, the rat genome can easily be manipulated to produce knock-out and knock-in lines and their larger size makes them easier for handling and performing procedures compared to other organisms. [4] In relation to StAR specifically, the homolog present in rats is 88% identical to humans with a conserved START domain as is described on the Homology and Domains pages of this website.
Conclusion
Rattus norvegicus would make a great model organism for studying PCOS in relation to the StAR gene for the various reasons outlined above. They are easy to care for, the genome is well defined, and there exists a vast body of previous work detailing various biological pathways and responses that exist within the species. Most importantly, hyperandrogenized rats have served as a reliable model of PCOS in several previous studies [2,3] which will be extremely useful in future research.
References
[1] What are model organisms? (2017, March 03). Retrieved March 14, 2019, from https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-are-model-organisms
[2] Jahromi, M. S. et al. (2016). Elevated expression of steroidogenesis pathway genes; CYP17, GATA6 and StAR in prenatally androgenized rats. Gene. 593(1):167-171.
[3] Jahromi, M. S. et al. (2018). Hypomethylation of specific CpG sites in the promoter region of steroidogeneic genes (GATA6 and StAR) in prenatally androgenized rats. Life Sciences. 207:105-109.
[4] The Advantages of Rat Models. (2018, February 8). Retrieved March 14, 2019 from https://www.genetargeting.com/crispr/the-advantages-of-rat-models/
[1] What are model organisms? (2017, March 03). Retrieved March 14, 2019, from https://www.yourgenome.org/facts/what-are-model-organisms
[2] Jahromi, M. S. et al. (2016). Elevated expression of steroidogenesis pathway genes; CYP17, GATA6 and StAR in prenatally androgenized rats. Gene. 593(1):167-171.
[3] Jahromi, M. S. et al. (2018). Hypomethylation of specific CpG sites in the promoter region of steroidogeneic genes (GATA6 and StAR) in prenatally androgenized rats. Life Sciences. 207:105-109.
[4] The Advantages of Rat Models. (2018, February 8). Retrieved March 14, 2019 from https://www.genetargeting.com/crispr/the-advantages-of-rat-models/
Header image: https://sci-flies.com/model-organisms/