Why pigs? From reproductive biology to genetically engineered models of human disease

The pig has become an increasingly important model in biomedical research because of its anatomical, physiological, and functional similarities to humans, as well as the opportunities provided by advances in reproductive technologies and genome editing. This talk will explore why and when pigs can be used as experimental models, how porcine models are designed and generated, and the essential role of reproductive biotechnology in this process. Drawing on our own experience, real examples of the generation and characterization of genetically modified pigs using CRISPR/Cas will be presented, covering the process from experimental design and gamete and embryo manipulation to the production and characterization of the resulting animals. Finally, the talk will discuss how these models require the integration of a wide range of disciplines—including molecular biology, genetics, physiology, imaging, neuroscience, immunology, surgery, and data analysis—and, consequently, the opportunities they offer young researchers from different backgrounds to develop new research questions, collaborations, and research directions in translational biomedicine.