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Review
. 2024 Oct 1:5:1439091.
doi: 10.3389/froh.2024.1439091. eCollection 2024.

Rodent models for oral microbiome research: considerations and challenges- a mini review

Divya Gopinath  1   2 , Deepak Pandiar  3 , Zhengrui Li  4   5   6   7   8   9   10 , Swagatika Panda  11
Affiliations
Review

Rodent models for oral microbiome research: considerations and challenges- a mini review

Divya Gopinath et al. Front Oral Health. .

Abstract

Rodent models have been commonly employed in oral microbiota research to investigate the relationship between bacteria and oral disease. Nevertheless, to apply the knowledge acquired from studies conducted on rodents to a human context, it is crucial to consider the significant spatial and temporal parallels and differences between the oral microbiota of mice and humans. Initially, we outline the comparative physiology and microbiology of the oral cavity of rodents and humans. Additionally, we highlight the strong correlation between the oral microbiome of rodents and genetic makeup, which is influenced by factors including vendor, husbandry practices, and environmental conditions. All of these factors potentially impact the replicability of studies on rodent microbiota and the resulting conclusions. Next, we direct our attention toward the diversity in the microbiome within mice models of disease and highlight the diversity that may potentially affect the characteristics of diseases and, in turn, alter the ability to replicate research findings and apply them to real-world situations. Furthermore, we explore the practicality of oral microbial models for complex oral microbial diseases in future investigations by examining the concept of gnotobiotic and germ-free mouse models. Finally, we stress the importance of investigating suitable techniques for characterizing and managing genetically modified organisms. Future research should consider these aspects to improve oral microbiome research's translational potential.

Keywords: in vivo; mice: mouse: rodents: animals; microbiome; microbiota; oral.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Photomicrographs of H&E stained sections showing coronal section of rodent face demonstrating developing tooth germs, maxillary sinus and nasal septum (a), developing molar (b), fetal epithelium. salivary gland tissue, bone and skeletal muscles (c) and oral epithelium (d) (Picture courtesy Dr Suganya Panneer Selvam, Oral Biologist, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Photomicrographs of H&E stained sections showing labial orthokeratinized stratified squamous epithelium and numerous dermal adnexal structures (a) and developing hair follicles [vibrissae, (b)].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Grants and funding

The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. The APC is funded by Ajman University.

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