Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu R, Saravanan Konda Mani, Paul Sayan, Chidambaram Saravana Babu
Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, 570015, Karnataka, India.
Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali, 140413, Punjab, India.
Mol Biotechnol. 2024 Nov 23. doi: 10.1007/s12033-024-01318-z.
Whether it involves human subjects or non-human animals, basic, translational, or clinical sleep research poses significant ethical challenges for researchers and ethical committees alike. Sleep research greatly benefits from using diverse animal models, each offering unique insights into sleep control mechanisms. The fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) is a superior genetic model due to its quick generation period, large progenies, and rich genetic tools. Its well-characterized genome and ability to respond to hypnotics and stimulants make it an effective tool for studying sleep genetics and physiological foundations. The nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) has a simpler neural organization and transparent body, allowing researchers to explore molecular underpinnings of sleep control. Vertebrate models, like zebrafish (Danio rerio), provide insights into circadian rhythm regulation, memory consolidation, and drug effects on sleep. Invertebrate models, like California sea hare (Aplysia californica) and Upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea xamachana), have simpler nervous systems and behave similarly to humans, allowing for the examination of sleep principles without logistical and ethical challenges. Combining vertebrate and invertebrate animal models offers a comprehensive approach to studying sleep, improving our understanding of sleep regulation and potentially leading to new drug discovery processes for sleep disorders and related illnesses.
无论是涉及人类受试者还是非人类动物，基础、转化或临床睡眠研究都给研究人员和伦理委员会带来了重大的伦理挑战。睡眠研究极大地受益于使用多样化的动物模型，每种模型都能为睡眠控制机制提供独特的见解。果蝇（黑腹果蝇）是一种优良的遗传模型，因为其繁殖周期短、后代数量多且拥有丰富的遗传工具。其特征明确的基因组以及对催眠药和兴奋剂的反应能力使其成为研究睡眠遗传学和生理基础的有效工具。线虫（秀丽隐杆线虫）具有更简单的神经组织和透明的身体，使研究人员能够探索睡眠控制的分子基础。脊椎动物模型，如斑马鱼（斑马鱼），有助于深入了解昼夜节律调节、记忆巩固以及药物对睡眠的影响。无脊椎动物模型，如加州海兔（加州海兔）和倒立水母（花笠水母），神经系统更简单，行为与人类相似，从而能够在没有后勤和伦理挑战的情况下研究睡眠原理。结合脊椎动物和无脊椎动物模型为睡眠研究提供了一种全面的方法，有助于我们更好地理解睡眠调节，并有可能为睡眠障碍及相关疾病带来新的药物研发进程。
