Custom Gallstone Models

At Ace Therapeutics, we specialize in developing gallstone models to advance research and drug development for this prevalent disease. Our team of experts leverages a deep understanding of gallstone pathogenesis and a wide array of modeling techniques to create customized models that precisely mimic the complexities of human disease. Whether you're investigating the role of specific genes, evaluating novel therapies, or exploring the mechanisms of gallstone formation, we can tailor models to meet your specific research objectives.

Introduction to Gallstones

Cholesterol gallstone disease (CGD) affects 10-20% of American adults, imposing significant economic and social burdens. Gallstones, ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball, form when substances such as cholesterol or bilirubin in bile crystallize. Understanding the pathophysiology of gallstones is crucial for developing effective, non-invasive treatments. Studies in mice with targeted gene modifications have provided insights into the complex mechanisms of this common hepatobiliary disease.

Figure 1. Classification of gallstones (Lammert F., et al., 2016)

Animal Models of Gallstone Disease We Can Develop

• Disease Models of Cholesterol Gallstones

We can develop models that mimic the formation of cholesterol gallstones (the most common type), helping you study the different levels of cholesterol saturation, bile composition, and other factors that contribute to gallstone formation.

• Disease Models of Pigment Gallstones

We can develop models that mimic the formation of pigment gallstones, which are less common but can be more challenging to treat. These models can be customized to reflect different levels of bilirubin, calcium, and other factors that contribute to pigment gallstone formation.

How We Customize Animal Models of Gallstone Disease

• Diet-Induced Models

We can manipulate the diet of animals to induce gallstone formation. This approach allows you to study the role of dietary factors, such as cholesterol intake and bile acid composition, in gallstone pathogenesis.

• Surgical Animal Models

We develop customized surgical protocols for creating conditions that promote gallstone formation in animals. Services include cholecystectomy modeling to explore the role of gallbladder in pathogenesis.

• Chemically Induced Models

We can administer chemicals that induce gallstone formation, such as hepatotoxins. Precisely administered toxicants generate controlled injury and pathological states to deconvolute molecular pathways in gallstone disease.

• Genetically Engineered Animal Models

We can use genetically modified animals to investigate the role of specific genes in gallstone formation. This approach is particularly valuable for understanding the genetic basis of gallstone disease.

Highlights of Our Gallstone Model Customization Services

• We offer a variety of animal models, including rodents, pigs, and primates, to meet your specific research needs.
• We can customize models to reflect different levels of disease severity, from mild to severe.
• We can customize models to represent different stages of gallstone formation, from early stages to advanced stages.
• We can incorporate specific features into our models to address your unique research questions. For example, we can develop models that mimic specific complications of gallstones, such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) or cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts).

Ace Therapeutics works closely with each partner to design the optimal gallstone model for their specific research objectives. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and let us develop the ideal gallstone model for your study.

References

1. Lammert F., et al. Gallstones. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016, 2:16024.
2. Wang T.Y., et al. Mouse models of gallstone disease. Curr Opin Gastroenterol. 2018, 34(2):59-70.

Our products and services are for research use only and can not be used for diagnostic or other purposes.