Summary
This international review examines tree shrews as an emerging model organism in biomedical research, positioned as a primate-adjacent alternative to conventional rodent or non-human primate models. The authors document recent technical advances—including genome sequencing, genetic manipulation via spermatogonial stem cells, and brain mapping—and review established applications in hepatitis B and C virus infection, myopia, and stress-induced depression. The paper concludes that realising the full potential of tree shrew models requires robust international collaboration, improved animal availability, and clearer definition of research questions best suited to this system.
Regional applicability
This paper is not directly applicable to United Kingdom farming, soil health, or agricultural practice. It addresses laboratory animal models for biomedical research and falls outside the scope of Pulse Brain's focus on food systems, soil health, and nutrition science.
Key measures
Not applicable — this is a narrative review synthesising the state of tree shrew research methodology and applications rather than reporting quantitative outcomes.
Outcomes reported
This review summarises advances in tree shrew biology and their application as animal models for biomedical research, including genome sequencing, genetic manipulation, and brain atlas mapping. The paper evaluates the current and potential uses of tree shrews for studying infectious diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other biomedical questions.
Topic tags
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