Human Disease Modelling Techniques: Current Progress

Advances in genetic engineering and genomic studies facilitated the development of animal models of human diseases. To date, numerous models based on different animal species are available for the most socially significant human diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders. Modern genetic methods allow creating animals with certain genes up- or down-regulated, as well as bearing specific mutations. However, this precision is not easy to translate into clinical practice: animal models still have their limitations, including both physiological and genetic differences between humans and animals and complexity of disease conditions that are difficult to reproduce. In this review, we will discuss the most relevant modern techniques that allow creating genetically engineered animal models.