. 2022 Apr 23;7:135. doi: 10.1038/s41392-022-00974-4

Table 1.

Mouse models in microbiota research

Mouse models	Research field	Significance
Germ-free mice colonized with human microbiota^410,411	host-microbiota relationship in different systems, including GI tract, cardiology, reproductive biology, lipid metabolism, and bone homeostasis.	Free of all microorganisms and allow colonization with specific microbiota.
Germ-free mice colonized with human microbiota^410,411		Normal host physiologic parameters are altered
Antibiotic treated⁴¹²	Antibiotics can be used to deplete specific member of microbiota, allows for the study of the role of bacteria in maintaining cell functionality and signaling pathways after development.	Applicable to any genotype or condition of mouse.
Antibiotic treated⁴¹²		May cause selection of drug-resistant bacteria.
Genetically modified^413,414	Resemble the phenotype associated with genetic defects in diseases such as IBD.	Provides a powerful tool to study the pathogenic mechanisms of human diseases.
Genetically modified^413,414		Genes that involve in multiple pathways may interfere the result.
Chemical modified⁴¹⁵	Using chemicals to damage gut epithelial cells, or to induce immune response in the mucosa.	A common way to induce colitis in mice.
Chemical modified⁴¹⁵		May result in contradicted result with variation in experimental design and environmental factors.