GENETIC MODELS OF HUMAN VASCULAR-DISEASE

The use of genetic models has greatly assisted investigations of the n atural history, mechanisms, and potential therapy for human vascular d isease. In the past, genetic models of vascular disease were obtained through serendipity and/or selective breeding to obtain inbred lines t hat express the phenotype of interest. This approach has yielded sever al valuable models of atherosclerosis and hypertension. In the past se veral years, the advent of molecular techniques has enabled investigat ors to produce additional novel genetic models of disease that have fu rther enhanced the study of vascular biology and medicine. Transgenic techniques and the techniques of homologous recombination have allowed researchers to alter the genotype of an animal in a precise manner an d to study the resultant change in phenotype. More recently, technique s of in vivo gene transfer have also accelerated and enhanced the deve lopment of novel models. The application of these methodologies has re sulted in important breakthroughs in our understanding of the pathogen esis and treatment of vascular diseases. In this review, we compare an d contrast these technologies along with examples of their use in the studies of vascular biology and medicine.