The Common Marmoset—Biomedical Research Animal Model Applications and Common Spontaneous Diseases

Abstract

Marmosets are becoming more utilized in biomedical research due to multiple advantages including (1) a nonhuman primate of a smaller size with less cost for housing, (2) physiologic similarities to humans, (3) translatable hepatic metabolism, (4) higher numbers of litters per year, (5) genome is sequenced, molecular reagents are available, (6) immunologically similar to humans, (7) transgenic marmosets with germline transmission have been produced, and (8) are naturally occurring hematopoietic chimeras. With more use of marmosets, disease surveillance over a wide range of ages of marmosets has been performed. This has led to a better understanding of the disease management of spontaneous diseases that can occur in colonies. Knowledge of clinical signs and histologic lesions can assist in maximizing the colony’s health, allowing for improved outcomes in translational studies within biomedical research. Here, we describe some basic husbandry, biology, common spontaneous diseases, and animal model applications for the common marmoset in biomedical research.

Early molecular events of autosomal‐dominant Alzheimer's disease in marmosets with PSEN1 mutations

“…The systemic amyloidosis finding is common in aging marmosets and typically reflects general inflammation 42 . Interestingly, in the three cases in which amyloid was not observed, renal findings such as nephritis, nephropathy, and glomerular atrophy, generally observed in older aged marmosets, were present 43 …”

“…42 Interestingly, in the three cases in which amyloid was not observed, renal findings such as nephritis, nephropathy, and glomerular atrophy, generally observed in older aged marmosets, were present. 43 3.4.2 Western blot analysis of PSEN1 and substrates of the gamma-secretase complex As illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure S2, one-way ANOVA was performed for each primary antibody and corrected for multiple comparisons. Subjects were grouped by genotype: C410Y (n = 2), A426P…”

Advancements in chimerism estimation and SNV genotyping in common marmosets: Enhancing genetic diversity analysis using next-generation sequencing

“…Its small body size, high fecundity, rapid growth and evolutionary closeness to humans make it an ideal model for various types of research 1,2 . The marmoset's short lifespan allows for rapid observation of disease progression and treatment responses, thus providing valuable insights into disease dynamics and therapeutic outcomes 3,4 . Further, there are ongoing international research efforts focused on preserving the genetic variation of captive marmoset colonies for clinical research applications 5 .…”

Special Issue on the Pathobiology of Laboratory Nonhuman Primates: A Review of Species, Substrain, Geographical Origin, Age, and Modality-Related Factors

“…Part 1 ends with a comprehensive presentation of frequently encountered spontaneous diseases in the common marmoset as well as aspects of basic husbandry and biology along with animal model applications of the marmoset in biomedical research. 16 The second part of the special issue discusses organ system toxicity in various species of NHPs, in particular, organ system responses to biotherapeutics. One of the consequences of the increased demand for NHPs for SARS-CoV-19 vaccine research and development has been the incorporation of more varied cohorts of macaques in studies, including animals from different sources, wider age ranges, and, in some cases, increased exposure to naturally occurring pathogens, leading to an increased frequency of clinical problems, particularly gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.…”

“…Part 1 ends with a comprehensive presentation of frequently encountered spontaneous diseases in the common marmoset as well as aspects of basic husbandry and biology along with animal model applications of the marmoset in biomedical research. 16…”