Question

For which of the following human diseases was a transgenic model not developed?

• A. AIDS
• B. Cancer
• C. Cystic Fibrosis
• D. Rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

In the study of human diseases using transgenic models, various animals are genetically modified to replicate aspects of human conditions. This enables researchers to better understand the disease mechanisms, test new treatments, and develop therapeutic interventions. Here we discuss transgenic models for the following diseases: 

• Cancer: Transgenic mouse models are commonly used in cancer research. Researchers introduce specific cancer-related genes to better understand tumor development, progression, and responses to treatments.
• Cystic Fibrosis: Mouse models have been developed to replicate the genetic and physiological conditions of cystic fibrosis, enabling the study of the disease's progression and the testing of new treatments.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Transgenic models, particularly mice, are utilized to mimic the autoimmune responses observed in rheumatoid arthritis, aiding in understanding the pathogenesis and testing interventions.
• AIDS: Unlike the others, a true transgenic model for AIDS has not been developed. While HIV infection can be studied in non-transgenic models like certain primates, a genetically altered animal that perfectly mimics human AIDS is lacking. The complexity of the HIV virus and its interaction with the human immune system presents significant challenges in creating a transgenic model.

Therefore, the correct answer is AIDS, as no transgenic model has been developed for this disease.

Answer 2

Transgenic models are organisms, usually mice, that have been genetically modified to carry genes from other organisms, often used to study diseases and develop treatments. Let’s evaluate each option:

(1) AIDS: While there are various animal models used to study HIV/AIDS, a transgenic model for AIDS specifically has not been developed in the same way as for some other diseases. The HIV virus does not have a natural animal model due to species-specific barriers. Although there are transgenic mice models used to study some aspects of HIV, they are not as widely used or as effective as for other diseases.

(2) Cancer: Transgenic models for cancer have been widely developed, particularly in mice. These models are essential in studying cancer’s progression and testing treatments.

(3) Cystic Fibrosis: Transgenic models have been developed for cystic fibrosis. CFTR (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator) gene knockout mice have been used to study the disease and develop treatments.

(4) Rheumatoid arthritis: Transgenic models for rheumatoid arthritis have also been developed. These models are used to study autoimmune responses and test therapies.

Thus, the correct answer is (1) AIDS, as a specific transgenic model for AIDS has not been as widely developed as for the other diseases listed.