Life science and animals
Case stories
Mini-Pigs: A Valuable Model for Studying Human Diseases and the Microbiome
Mini-pigs have emerged as a valuable model for studying human diseases, particularly complex conditions like Parkinson’s disease, due to their physiological similarities to humans. The anatomy of the mini-pigs makes them ideal for studying diseases where both neurological and systemic factors, such as the gut microbiome, play a role. At Biomcare, we specialise in supporting research that leverages animal models, such as mini-pigs, to better understand human disease.
In 2023, we supported a research group at the Department of Clinical Medicine at Aarhus University, where mini-pigs are being used in a cutting-edge study on Parkinson’s disease and deep brain stimulation (DBS). This study exemplifies the advantages of using mini-pigs to explore complex interactions between the brain and the gut microbiome.
Parkinson’s Disease in Mini-Pigs
The Aarhus University team is conducting comprehensive research to understand how DBS affects the brain over time in a mini-pig model. DBS helps alleviate symptoms of Parkinson’s by targeting specific areas of the brain, but its long-term effects at the synaptic level are not well understood. In parallel, the researchers are investigating whether DBS or the disease itself affects the gut microbiome, as recent studies suggest a strong gut-brain connection in Parkinson’s disease progression.
Faecal samples were collected from the mini-pigs during different stages of the study, and Biomcare supported the study by providing both wet lab and dry lab support for microbiome analyses of these samples. Our team ensured that the microbiome data was accurately generated and processed and interacted with the research team in interpretation of the results.
Biomcare’s Expertise in Microbiome Research
The project emphasises how Biomcare’s contributions to our customers’ projects extended beyond routine microbiome analysis. We work closely with our customers from the outset, advising on best practices for sample handling to preserve microbial integrity. Our analysis provides best-practise analyses of complex data that result in essential insights for our customers.
At the Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, we are completing a multi-modal study on the longitudinal effects of deep brain stimulation on brain synaptic changes in a minipig model of Parkinson's disease.
In parallel, we collected fecal samples from the minipigs to determine if the induction of the Parkinson’s disease model or the brain stimulation therapy contributed to changes in microbiome diversity. We relied heavily on the experience of Louise at Biomcare for help and advice on setting up the project and storing the samples. After the rapid analysis at Biomcare, Louise provided extensive data analysis and insightful interpretation.
She was clear and helpful and also provided a re-analysis of the data, taking different factors into account. We are looking forward to progressing further with this project and to working with Louise again in the future.
Anne Landau
Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine Aarhus University
How the Microbiome is Part of Future Prognostic Tools
At the Johns Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Nora Haney is on an important quest: uncovering better diagnostic methods for children at risk of urinary tract obstructions and potential kidney damage. At the core of this important research is the microbiome.
Through her meticulous study using neonatal animal models, Dr. Haney has collected a plethora of tissue and fluid samples. The goal? To detect changes to the microbiome in association urinary tract obstructions and identify microbial biomarkers for a future prognostic tool.
At Biomcare, we’re thrilled to be a part of this innovative journey. Our expertise in microbiome sequencing and data analysis supported and promoted Dr. Haney’s research. One significant takeaway from our collaboration? The imperative of integrating methods like qPCR or spike-in with sequencing projects to facilitate estimation of absolute microbial abundance.
To all researchers, veterinarians and farmers working with animal models for health advancements, let’s join forces and harness the power of microbiomes to usher in a new era of solutions!