Overview of the Mouse Obesity Model

At Protheragen, we are committed to providing cutting-edge obesity research. We focus on Preclinical Studies of Anti-Obesity Therapeutics and provide researchers with accurate and efficient experimental platforms by building and optimizing a variety of Obesity Models, especially In Vivo Obesity Models for Obesity Research.

Our mouse obesity model construction and evaluation service is the core of our obesity model series, aiming to help scientists deeply understand the mechanism of obesity and accelerate the development of anti-obesity drugs.

We leverage our mouse obesity model extensively to evaluate and accelerate Anti-Obesity Therapy Development. This model serves as a pivotal tool in assessing the efficacy and safety of various therapeutic approaches, including Anti-Obesity Small Molecule Drug Development and Anti-Obesity Gene Therapy Development. Simulating human obesity conditions allows us to predict how potential treatments might perform.

Mouse Obesity Model: Innovating Obesity Research and Solutions

• Mouse Strains for Obesity Model Construction

  In constructing a mouse obesity model, several strains are utilized based on the specific research needs. Our commonly used strains include:

  C57BL/6J: Known for its susceptibility to diet-induced obesity (DIO).

  ob/ob Mice: Possess a mutation in the leptin gene, leading to spontaneous obesity.

  db/db Mice: Characterized by a mutation in the leptin receptor gene, resulting in severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.

  NZO (New Zealand obese): A polygenic model used to study obesity-related metabolic disorders.

• Technologies for Model Construction

  We employ several cutting-edge technologies to establish and evaluate mouse obesity models effectively.

• Genetic Manipulation

  Transgenic mice: Creation of transgenic mice overexpressing or knocking out specific genes related to obesity. We use precision gene editing to edit the genome of mice to induce mutations or deletions that mimic human obesity.

  Diet-Induced Obesity (DIO): Providing mice with High-Fat Diets (HFD) or High-Carbohydrate Diets (HCD) to trigger obesity. This method is widely used because it closely replicates dietary causes of human obesity.

  Chemical Induction: Administration of substances like monosodium glutamate (MSG) to neonatal mice to induce obesity through hypothalamic injury and altered metabolic regulation.

  Surgical Techniques: Techniques such as Ovariectomy to study obesity linked to hormonal changes, specifically post-menopausal obesity.

• Steps for Constructing and Evaluating the Mouse Obesity Model

  Selection of Mouse Strain: We carefully choose the appropriate mouse strain (e.g., C57BL/6J, ob/ob, db/db) based on research objectives.

  Induction of Obesity

  • For diet-induced models: We commence by establishing baseline readings of body weight and metabolic parameters. Subsequently, we meticulously introduce a diet rich in either fats or carbohydrates, tailored precisely to the specific research requirements. Regularly, we keep track of weight gain and food intake to ensure accuracy and consistency in our observations.
  • For genetic models: We engage in genetic manipulation procedures or selectively breed transgenic strains. To ensure the authenticity of these genetic modifications, we undertake rigorous genotyping and phenotypic assessments, validating the accuracy of our manipulations.
  • For chemical/surgical models: We administer certain chemicals to newborn mice. We also perform surgeries, for instance, ovariectomy. Following these procedures, we provide comprehensive post-operative care and diligently monitor the recovery process, ensuring the well-being of our models throughout.

  Evaluation of Obesity

  • Metabolic assessments: We regularly perform metabolic assessments, including conducting glucose tolerance tests (GTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), to accurately evaluate insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis in our subjects. Additionally, we measure serum levels of glucose, insulin, leptin, and other crucial metabolic hormones to gain a comprehensive understanding of their metabolic profiles.
  • Body composition analysis: We utilize advanced techniques such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine both body mass index (BMI) and total body fat percentage. Furthermore, we quantify specific fat pad weights, including those of the epididymal, retroperitoneal, and visceral fat regions, providing detailed insights into body composition.
  • Behavioral and physiological monitoring: We employ metabolic cages to assess key parameters like food intake, energy expenditure, and physical activity levels in our subjects. This allows us to gain a comprehensive understanding of their daily activity patterns. Moreover, we regularly monitor body weight and meticulously record any changes over time, enabling us to track its physiological responses.
  • Histological and molecular analysis: We conduct histological and molecular analysis. This involves performing histopathological examinations of adipose tissues to evaluate adipocyte size and frequency, giving us insights into the structural changes that occur. Additionally, we employ molecular assays to measure the expression of genes related to obesity and metabolism, providing a molecular-level understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

Workflow

We meticulously communicate with clients to define experimental objectives, expected outcomes, and specific needs, as well as determine mouse breeds, model construction methods, and evaluation indicators. We design detailed experimental plans tailored to client needs, prepare mice for adaptive feeding, and construct models through diet induction, gene editing, and other techniques. Regular monitoring of mouse weight, body fat content, and biochemical indicators, along with tissue sampling for pathological and gene expression analyses, ensures comprehensive model evaluation. We then collate and analyze data, evaluate model effectiveness, and compile detailed research reports, delivering them to clients on time.

Applications of the Mouse Obesity Model

• Drug screening and efficacy evaluation: This model can be used to quickly evaluate the effects of drugs on weight management, fat metabolism, insulin resistance, etc., providing an important basis for the development of new drugs.
• Disease mechanism research: This model can be used as an important tool to study the pathogenesis of obesity and its related complications.
• Nutritional research: This model can be used to explore the effects of different dietary ingredients on weight, metabolism, and health, and provide support for the formulation of scientific dietary guidelines and nutritional intervention strategies.

Advantages

• Leading technology: We have advanced gene editing technology and rich experience in model construction, providing clients with high-quality and customized mouse obesity models to meet diverse research needs.
• Comprehensive services: In addition to model construction, we also provide one-stop services such as model validation, data analysis, and experimental guidance to help clients complete research projects efficiently.
• Teamwork: Our team consists of experienced biologists, gene editing experts, and data analysts who work closely together to ensure that every project is handled professionally and meticulously.

Publication

Our Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific steps does your mouse obesity model development service include?

Our mouse obesity model development service covers a full range of processes from gene selection, gene editing, and model construction to model validation.

• Gene strategy design: Design the most appropriate gene target or mutation strategy based on client research needs.
• Gene editing: Use advanced technologies for precise gene editing to create mice with obesity-related gene mutations.
• Model breeding: Breed the edited mice to ensure genetic stability and screen out obesity models that meet the standards.
• Model validation: Use biochemical analysis, physiological monitoring, behavioral testing, and other means to verify whether the model successfully simulates the pathophysiological characteristics of human obesity.
• Data report: Provide detailed experimental data, model feature description, and operation guide to facilitate client follow-up research and use.

How to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the constructed mouse obesity model?

We take multiple measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the model.

• Strict gene editing quality control: High-throughput sequencing technology is used to verify the accuracy of gene editing sites to ensure no off-target effects.
• Multi-generation breeding verification: Through multi-generation breeding, the genetic stability of the model is evaluated to ensure the consistency of phenotype.
• Comprehensive phenotypic analysis: Multi-dimensional tests such as weight, body fat content, metabolic rate, and blood sugar level are carried out to verify whether the model successfully simulates obesity characteristics.
• Independent verification team: An independent verification team is set up to conduct secondary verification of the model to ensure the objectivity and accuracy of the results.

At Protheragen, we focus on providing excellent mouse obesity model development services. We use advanced gene editing technology and in-depth biological understanding to carefully construct and validate a variety of mouse obesity models that accurately simulate the pathophysiological processes of human obesity. Our services not only help scientists gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of obesity but also accelerate the development and efficacy evaluation of new drugs. Please feel free to contact us for more details if you are interested in our mouse obesity model development services!

All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.

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