Genetically induced vs. classical animal models of chronic pancreatitis: a critical comparison

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is an utmost complex disease that is pathogenetically linked to pancreas-intrinsic (e.g., duct obstruction), environmental-toxic (e.g., alcohol, smoking), and genetic factors. Studying such a complex disease naturally requires validated experimental models. In the past 2 decades, the various animal models of CP usually addressed either the pancreas-intrinsic (e.g., the caerulein model), the environmental-toxic (e.g., diet-induced models), or the genetic component of CP. As such, these models were far from mirroring CP in its full spectrum, and the correct choice of models was vital for valid scientific conclusions on CP. The quest for mechanistic, genetic models gave rise to models based on gene modification and transgene insertion, such as the PRSS1 and the IL-1/IL-1 models. Recently, we witnessed the development of highly exciting models that rely on the importance of autophagy in CP, that is, the murine pancreas-specific Atg5 and LAMP2 knockout models. Today, critical comparison of these several models is more important than ever for guiding research on CP in an efficient direction. The present review outlines the characteristics of the new genetic models in comparison with the well-known classic models for CP, notes the caveats in the choice of models, and also indicates novel directions for model development.Klauss, S., Schorn, S., Teller, S., Steenfadt, H., Friess, H., Ceyhan, G. O., Demir, I. K. Genetically induced vs. classical animal models of chronic pancreatitis: a critical comparison.