Why do we need Animal Research?

Despite significant advancements in the development of innovative animal-free methods such as cell cultures, computer modelling/simulations, or in-vitro organ models, certain scientific and medical questions cannot be fully answered without animal research. This is particularly true for processes that affect the whole body. Understanding the complex interplay of various organ systems and signaling pathways requires investigations in the entire living organism, making animal studies necessary for research.

The relevance of animal research is especially evident in complex therapeutic areas such as diseases of the nervous system (Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis), metabolic diseases (diabetes), and cancer. These are areas where animal studies are indispensable for gaining insights into disease mechanisms and testing potential treatments.

Through animal research, many serious diseases can be effectively treated or cured today. These include, for example, the discovery of antibiotics against bacterial infections, the production of insulin for diabetes, and successful therapies for leukemia and other types of cancer. Moreover, the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines against the coronavirus pandemic would not have been possible without animal research.

The University of Basel employs animals for both basic research and translational research, which are closely intertwined in everyday research.

Basic research focuses on elucidating fundamental biological relationships and processes, which are critical for the development of new medical and technological advancements. Animal organisms share many vital processes with humans, from biochemical reactions within cells to complex processes in the brain and immune system. Therefore, understanding the function of animal organisms is crucial to gain insights into healthy and diseased human body processes.

Translational research aims to apply the knowledge gained from basic research to improve the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases. Many complex diseases are currently incurable or treatments have severe side effects, and our research groups work in various disciplines to understand the mechanisms behind such diseases and develop more efficient and tolerable therapies. Overall, animal research at the University of Basel plays a vital role in advancing scientific and medical progress, from basic research to the translation of knowledge into practical applications for the benefit of human health.

Animal experiments at the University of Basel are carried out in the following research fields:
 

In recent years, there has been significant progress in cancer research, resulting in many types of cancer being kept in check for extended periods through therapies, and some being curable. Nevertheless, cancer remains the second most common cause of death in Switzerland, with over one-fifth of the population at risk of developing it during their lifetime.

Therefore, considerable basic research is still required to gain a better understanding of the role played by the environment and genetic predisposition in tumor development and how tumors evade the immune system and how metastases occur. In applied research, our research groups are exploring novel and more effective treatments such as cancer immune therapies. However, none of this would be possible without whole-animal testing, since cancer is a complex disease that affects the entire body.
 

The brain is considered the control center of the body, as it oversees essential processes such as breathing, circulation, and hormone balance. It collects information about our surroundings through sensory organs, processes numerous pieces of data in a fraction of a second, and communicates to the body via the nervous system. Additionally, the brain is where our personality resides: it stores memories, facilitates learning, and shapes our emotions and social conduct.

Comprehending the intricate processes in the brain, which entail billions of interconnected neurons, is one of the most significant challenges in science. However, animal research at the University of Basel allows scientists to understand these processes, such as how our muscles are controlled, how we hear, or how fear is triggered. Basic processes such as these occur in mice, fish, or even invertebrates in a manner similar to that in humans.

Diseases that affect the brain and nervous system are as diverse as the brain's functions: brain tumors, stroke, neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis, and psychiatric illnesses such as anxiety disorders and psychoses. In applied research, research groups at the University of Basel are investigating the origins of these severe diseases and developing new therapies, often with the help of genetically modified mice that can simulate specific clinical conditions.
 

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for one third of deaths in Switzerland, making them the most common cause of death. These diseases, which include heart attacks and stroke, highlight the urgency of understanding the triggers and the course of these diseases. Developing new therapies and prevention strategies is crucial in combating these diseases. By focusing on research, we can gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, ultimately leading to more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Metabolism is closely linked to the circulatory system, with for example elevated blood cholesterol levels considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Moreover, there is a significant interaction between cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and the immune system. To better understand the diverse and complex interactions between various organs and body systems, researchers at the University of Basel rely on animal experiments. These studies allow researchers to investigate the underlying mechanisms of metabolic diseases, to develop new therapies, and to advance prevention strategies.
 

Developmental biology is a field of research that heavily relies on animal experimentation. The development of a multicellular organism from a single fertilized egg cell is a complex process that involves an intricate interplay of genes, signaling pathways, and external factors. Reproducing these processes in a whole organism is crucial to understanding the development of malformations and diseases.

Stem cells also play a crucial role in the development of an embryo and the formation of various cell types, tissues, and organs. Stem cells are not only found in embryos but also in adults, such as blood stem cells that continually produce new blood cells throughout life.

Stem cells are of great interest to medicine as they are involved in the development of cancer diseases like leukemia and also offer hope for replacing lost body tissue. Regenerative medicine has already made great strides in areas such as the replacement of cartilage in osteoarthritis. However, there is still a need for basic research in other applications, such as the renewal of brain cells lost due to stroke or Alzheimer's disease.
 

Research in the area of infection biology at the University of Basel focuses on bacterial infections. These types of infections are becoming increasingly problematic globally, due to the rapid spread of novel pathogens and the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which currently claim approximately 700 000 lives each year worldwide. Moreover, an aging population is at a higher risk of immune deficiency.

The immune system is responsible for defending the body against infectious diseases by distinguishing between self and non-self structures. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system can attack the body, leading to the development of diseases. The immune response involves numerous cell types and organs, which cannot be entirely replicated in vitro. Hence, animal research is indispensable for understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in the immune response and developing new therapeutic strategies.
 

In the field of ecology and environmental sciences, researchers at the University of Basel investigate a wide range of topics. Their common goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the origins and workings of the «System Earth», both in the present and in the future, as well as how human activities impact life on our planet. Their findings are aimed at identifying effective measures for nature conservation and sustainable resource use.

One important aspect of this research involves studying how different species have evolved and adapted to their specific habitats, using for example model organisms such as fish and water fleas. Animal research is also instrumental in assessing how ecosystems respond to a variety of factors such as pollution, climate change, and globalization. By gaining a better understanding of the interactions between species and their environment, researchers hope to develop innovative approaches for protecting and preserving the delicate balance of life on Earth.