Animal models and biomedical research

Genetically engineered animals or transgenic animals represent such organisms in which specific genetic modifications are introduced or cloning is done to generate animal models with desired genotypes and phenotypes. The major consideration involved in the art of creating transgenic models is that they are bona fide biological models that best report the biological function of the gene that they represent. This innovative technology has opened up new horizons in all fields of biomedical research as transgenic and knockout animals have provided novel insight and greatly increased the understanding and knowledge of several human diseases. This technology has provided invaluable biological tools for the production of animal models of human diseases that allow the development and validation of new medical drugs for the treatment of human diseases. Transgenic mouse models have been the most common models for revealing the gene function. Over the past couple of decades, researchers have advanced toward creating complex transgenic animal models of human diseases, including genetically modified rabbits, pigs, and even cows. Moreover, they also proved to be instrumental for target discovery, authentication, and production of therapeutic proteins. The technology entailing engineered animal models promises significant benefits for human health via its application in biomedical research. This chapter provides an indepth knowledge about genetically engineered animals and illustrates their significance for biomedical research highlighting their multiple uses for humans.