Mouse Model for Metabolic Syndrome

Description

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic risk factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular (CV) disease and type-2 diabetes. Currently, it is estimated that up to 25% of the population in USA suffers from MetS. However, the cause of MetS is not completely understood and very few models exist to study this disease.

Dr. Marica Bakovic at the University of Guelph has developed a novel mouse model, which offers a unique opportunity to study disease progression, and examine various therapies and nutraceuticals that may positively impact obesity, MetS, diabetes, and other related cardiovascular diseases.

Mouse Characteristics

  • Increased body weight gain over time
  • Higher blood glucose
  • Insulin resistance
  • Higher blood VLDL (the bad cholesterol) and triglycerides levels
  • Lower metabolic rate
  • Fatty liver and increased fat deposition in muscles and skin

Two mice, one of which is significantly larger than the other

MetS knockout mouse (right) is significantly heavier than its wildtype counterpart (left) 24 hours after birth.

Applications and Advantages

  • Preclinical studies using this unique animal model to study the molecular mechanism of MetS
    Preclinical studies to evaluate the efficacy of various drugs, nutraceuticals and diets to prevent or mitigate MetS, diabetes, and other CV diseases

Development Status

  • Knockout mouse generated
  • Mouse growth and development characteristics well characterized

Patent Status 

Issued patent on knock-out (US 6,777,216).

License Status

Seeking for licensee and research partners.

Contact 

Dr. David Hobson, dhobsonn@uoguelph.ca 519-824-4120 x58859