Research Models of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Major Considerations for Translatability

The scientific evidence regarding potential neuroprotective effects of the tobacco-derived compounds has been obtained from different experimental model systems that mimic human pathological processes. Identification of mutations in familial forms of diseases has helped the development of a large number of genetically modified cell and animal models. When thoroughly characterized, these models are critical tools in the discovery and development of drugs that may efficiently prevent, slow down, and ideally reverse pathological processes. However, the use of these models appears to have shed light only on partial aspects of the various disorders, preventing true translation into new treatments, diagnostics, and prevention. One of the major shortcomings of the available models is that the pathologies they capture usually represent only part of the complex, incompletely understood human disease. This chapter describes major advantages and disadvantages of models used for neurodegenerative diseases.