Animal Models Help with Studies of Sickle Cell, But More Needed, Review Says

The β-hemoglobin gene and protein in humans and mice are similar, which makes a laboratory mouse a very useful partner in studies of β-hemoglobin-related disorders, like sickle cell disease, and possible treatment targets. A review looked at the benefits and shortcomings of animal models of β-hemoglobin diseases, and suggested that the time had come to move “beyond” them.