Animal, Cellular & Molecular Models

1 July 2006
Oslo Kongressenter, Norway

Chairman: H. Weiler, USA
Co-Chairs: S.R. Coughlin, USA; J.L. Degen, USA; P. Jagadeeswaran, USA; C. Kluft, The Netherlands;
N. Mackman, USA; T. Nichols, USA

The session had approximately 20 attendees.
 
The outgoing chairman of the subcommittee, Dr. Jagadeeswaran, reviewed SSC activities 2004 to 2006, including organization of the scientific program of the subcommittee during the ISTH bi-annual meeting in Sydney, Australia.
 
Dr. Johnson reported on the status of the Murine Parameter Project. The Project is a comprehensive, 3-part compendium of murine hemostasis, including methods to assess the status of coagulation, platelet function, fibrinolysis and thrombosis in normal mice, and a review of hemostatic function/phenotypes in genetically altered mice. The compendium has undergone successful peer review and is scheduled for eventual publication in the ISTH periodical, Journal of Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

Scientific program:
 
Dr. Jagadeeswaran (University of Northern Texas, TX, USA) reviewed progress in genetic approaches to hemostasis in zebrafish. Data suggest the existence of functionally diverse platelet subpopulations in zebrafish, and the existence of proteases secreted into the environment with potential hemostatic activity.
 
Dr. Taylor (OMRF, Oklahoma City, OK, USA) critically evaluated the interplay of hemostasis and inflammation in primate models of sepsis. A key conclusion drawn from the synthesis of many studies is that the relevant pathogenic mechanisms operating in diverse sepsis models depend on the severity of the inflammatory challenge (degree of ensuing lethality).
 
Dr. Nichols (UNC, Chapel Hill, NC, USA) reviewed the development of novel pig models of aortic and coronary atherosclerosis.
 
Dr. Stoll (Universitaet Muenster, Muenster, Germany) introduced novel genetic methods to detect genetic predictors for plaque development. Dr. Stoll reviewed the concept and approach of comparative genetics, and demonstrated the power of the approach by showing several novel candidate genes that have been identified.
 
SSC Agenda 2006-10:
 
The agenda was discussed in an open session by all attendees. Consensus was reached that the Animal Subcommittee will continue its activities according to previous schedules. The following items were identified as future projects:

  1. Complete the Murine Parameter Project by achieving publication
  2. Organize scientific program for the ISTH meeting in Geneva, 2007. Potential topics are comparative genomics of hemostasis. Efforts will be made to have a representative from the European Mouse Phenome Consortium, and corresponding efforts in other countries.
  3. Establish a www.-based registry for genetically defined animal models with altered hemostatic function. The registry supports the identification, distribution and characterization of relevant animal models.
  4. An effort will be made to integrate the subcommittees work with ongoing efforts by NIH to optimize the development of animal models for atheroscleoris/inflammation. One of the priorities will be to produce animal models and/or protocols with improved predictive power for efficacy of therapeutic intervention in clinical studies. The chairman will establish a working group that will include much needed expertise from pharmaceutical/biotech enterprise.