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Ferrets and genetically modified ferrets as model organisms in biomedical research: a review
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DOI：10.3389/fgeed.2026.1777289.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
Domestic ferrets have served as experimental animals for over a century; offering a balance between practicality and biological relevance while bridging the gap between rodent and non-human primate models. Their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans; particularly in the respiratory and nervous systems; make ferrets an invaluable model for biomedical research across various disciplines. Recent advances in genome-editing technologies have enabled the efficient creation of genetically modified (GM) ferrets; significantly expanding their applications in basic and translational research. This review describes the unique biological characteristics of ferrets and their current applications in modeling human pathogenic infections; respiratory; gastrointestinal; and neurological disorders; as well as other complex diseases that rodent models fail to effectively recapitulate. We also discuss the challenges associated with ferret models and outline the future directions to enhance their utility; with the goal of advancing our understanding of human diseases and supporting the development of novel therapeutics.
Keywords:
animal model
respiratory infection
ferret
basic and translational research
genetically modified
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