Introduction to the Integrative Organismal Pathology (IOP) Concept

							Introduction of the Integrative Organismal Pathology (IOP)
Concept

IOP Subcommittee, the Pathology Standing Committee of the Mouse Models of
Human Cancer Consortium (NCI/NIH)


Rationale:

Organization of the Mouse Models of Human Consortium represents a unique
opportunity for setting up the most comprehensive studies of pathology of
genetically engineered mice. However, the number of MMHCC-designated organ
sites and respective pathology sub-committees is limited. Therefore, there is a
high probability that many multi-organ syndromes and general organismal
responses, as well as any lesions in omitted organs and tissues, will be either
under-reported or missed entirely. In order to ensure the most effective and
systematic evaluation of newly generated models, there is an urgent need in
developing a mechanism for mouse pathology integration on organismal level. In
order to address this issue we have organized the Integrative Organismal
Pathology (IOP) Subcommittee.


Goals of the IOP subcommittee:

1) IOP Subcommittee shall develop a set of recommendations for the most
comprehensive and systematic characterization of genetically engineered mice.

2) IOP Subcommittee will assist with evaluation of unexpected findings and
identify multi-organ syndromes and general organismal responses.

3) IOP will initiate classification of murine pathology observed in organs not
covered by any Organ Site Subcommittee.

It is expected that IOP subcommittee will serve as a prototype for more general
implementation of systematic approach for characterization and validation of
genetically modified animal models.


Members:

Current members of the Subcommittee are: Greg Boivin, D.V.M., Bob Cardiff,
M.D., Ph.D., Alex Nikitin, M.D., Ph.D., Nora Rosengurt, Ph.D., and Jerry Ward,
D.V.M., Ph.D.
Proposal:

1) In order to develop close interactions between members of IOP subcommittee,
it is proposed to organize a planning group meeting with invitation of additional
experts with a broad knowledge of murine pathology. The meeting will set up
general requirements and criteria for comprehensive characterization of animal
models. It will also allow initiating classification of new identified syndromes and
other novel phenotypes in genetically modified animals. Because of its general
goals, IOP subcommittee is uniquely well suited for implementation of Education
and Telepathology initiatives. Establishment of close interactions with respective
Pathology subcommittees will be among major topics for discussion.

2) IOP subcommittee asks MMHCC to identify particularly promising mouse
models for human cancer, and offers its help with systematic characterization of
these mice. These studies will serve as a prototype in development of general
recommendations by the IOP Subcommittee.

3) Initial evaluation of animal models will be performed using sets of slides,
which, together with necessary clinical information, would be distributed among
members of the IOP subcommittee. In order to provide the most successful
support, IOP subcommittee requests MMHCC about setting up telepathology
equipment in the frame of Telepathology initiative by the Pathology Standing
Committee.


Funding requested:

$15,000 is requested for a planning group meeting. Such meeting will allow
identification of priorities and developing consensus on the most important issues
in the most effective manner.