Editorial note
This newsletter compiles the most important and relevant scientific publications on Göttingen Minipigs from February and March 2026. In Quick Links at the end, other interesting scientific findings in different types of minipigs are shown.
Göttingen Minipigs can always be used for studies performed in other minipig breeds.
This edition features insightful research focused on Göttingen Minipigs, which offer valuable models in the study of obesity, diabetes, dental implants, and urinary tract infections. The findings highlight the adaptability of minipigs in various experimental frameworks, providing a bridge between preclinical research and human applications.
Article 1
Chamber-specific cardiac proteome remodeling in a Gottingen minipig model of obesity and diabetes.
This study explores how obesity and diabetes induce specific protein changes in the heart regions of Göttingen Minipigs. Understanding these alterations can shed light on early cardiac disease mechanisms.
• Journal: Cardiovascular diabetology
• Authors: Gallero S, Voldstedlund CT, Krog S, Ludvigsen TP, Olsen LH, Jensen TE
• Publication date: 2026-06-16
• Original paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42304349/
Summary
This study analyzed the cardiac proteome of Göttingen Minipigs subjected to various diets and diabetes induction. Untargeted proteomics revealed that dietary changes significantly affected the cardiac proteome, with a focus on left atrium and ventricle tissues. The results indicated that obesity and diabetes lead to complex proteomic disruptions, highlighting the need for further research on how these changes relate to the progression of heart disease. Understanding these early molecular alterations can inform strategies to prevent or mitigate cardiac dysfunction in affected individuals.
Article 2
Electrospun Nanofiber Oral Thin Film Platform for Sublingual Peptide Delivery: A Promising Alternative to Conventional Semaglutide Formulations.
This research presents an innovative oral thin film for delivering semaglutide via the sublingual route using Göttingen Minipigs, showing significant potential for weight management compared to traditional methods.
• Journal: Diabetes, obesity & metabolism
• Authors: Sagar G, Stranska V, Stranska D, Daams R, Taavoniku I, Cheong RY, Madsen LB
• Publication date: 2026-06-15
• Original paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42297758/
Summary
This preclinical study evaluated a sublingual formulation of semaglutide using an electrospun nanofiber-based thin film in Göttingen Minipigs. The minipigs exhibited a notable reduction in weight gain following administration of the thin film compared to placebo and oral tablet groups. Additionally, insulin and C-peptide responses were enhanced. These findings underscore the potential of the InStrip platform as an effective alternative to conventional drug delivery methods, offering improved adherence and metabolic outcomes over traditional treatments.
Article 3
Performance of a new bone-level tapered two-piece zirconia implant manufactured by injection moulding: A pilot preclinical study in minipig mandibles.
This study investigates a novel zirconia dental implant in Göttingen Minipigs, demonstrating comparable effectiveness to established implants, which could influence future implant designs.
• Journal: International journal of oral implantology (Berlin, Germany)
• Authors: Hauck F, Herber V, Moecke S, Balmer M, Bellon B, Kuhl S
• Publication date: 2026-06-10
• Original paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42268055/
Summary
In this preclinical investigation, researchers compared a new two-piece zirconia implant with a traditional single-lead thread implant in Göttingen Minipigs. Implants were assessed for insertion torque and bone-implant contact post-implantation. The findings indicated similar mechanical stability and biological integration between both designs, providing a foundation for further optimization and long-term evaluation. This research is critical as it could inform future advancements in dental implant technology using zirconia materials.
Article 4
Radiation dose has no significant impact on CT-based bone mineral density measurements in a large-animal model.
This study finds that varying radiation doses does not significantly affect CT-based bone mineral density measurements in Göttingen Minipigs, suggesting robust tools for bone health assessment.
• Journal: Scientific reports
• Authors: Harmes JC, Holtkamp M, Straus J, Jost G, Forsting M, Hosch R, Nensa F, Pietsch H, Salhofer L, Haubold J
• Publication date: 2026-05-28
• Original paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42209788/
Summary
Conducted with 20 Göttingen Minipigs, this systematic study determined the impact of various radiation doses on CT-derived bone mineral density (BMD) measurements. Utilizing a comprehensive approach, the results demonstrated that even lower radiation doses yielded reliable BMD assessments, suggesting that CT imaging protocols could be adapted for lower doses while maintaining data integrity. This finding is essential for enhancing imaging techniques in clinical settings, especially where exposure to radiation is a concern.
Article 5
Establishment and optimization of an intraurethral UPEC urinary tract infection model in Gottingen minipigs.
This study establishes a urinary tract infection model in Gottingen minipigs, providing
a new approach to evaluate treatment efficacy against uropathogenic E. coli infections.
• Journal: Frontiers in immunology
• Authors: Lubb ers J, Orlandini K, Podob E, Fernandez J, Wilson JM, van Heerden M, Zeijpveld J, van Kregten J, Buckley PT, van den Dobbelsteen G, Bair KL
• Publication date: 2026-05-18
• Original paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42233010/
Summary
This research aimed to create and refine a UTI model in Göttingen Minipigs through intraurethral challenges with the uropathogenic E. coli strain UTI89. The results confirmed the establishment of a durable infection, revealing significant insights into bacterial responses. Notably, the findings emphasize the importance of strain monitoring in UTI studies to ensure accurate assessment of antibiotic and vaccine efficacy. This novel model has the potential to bridge current gaps in UTI research, ultimately improving treatment and prevention strategies.
Quick Links to other recent and relevant publications using different types of minipigs
• Biomarkers and therapies Associated with Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42309396/
• EP4 agonist KMN-159 induces osteogenesis in rodent and porcine dental models. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42309246/
• Human CD24 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42285987/
• The effects of magnesium infusions on haemodynamic and nociceptive variables in minipigs undergoing thoracotomy. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42274336/
• Miniaturized subcutaneous cellular implants for sustained therapeutic protein delivery in resource-limited settings. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42327228/
• Circumferential strain recovery after human cardiomyocyte transplantation in minipigs using a novel frequency-based method for myocardial tagging quantification. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42250885/
• Integrated transcriptomics identifies ER stress-associated apoptosis in post-resuscitation AKI and supports early Dl-3-n-butylphthalide-associated renoprotection in a porcine TCA model. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42328631/
• An optimized engineered bacterium for tyrosinemia type 1 therapy: A multi-species preclinical study. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42226462/
• Research and development of novel embolization materials and study on their feasibility of preventing T2EL after EVAR abdominal aortic aneurysm. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42306591/
• Molecular features of a Huntington’s disease knock-in minipig. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42186428/
• Enhanced subcutaneous delivery of antibody-drug conjugates with recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20: pharmacokinetics and tolerability in minipigs. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42171942/
• Small bone replacement leads to greater gait asymmetry, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation than ligament injury in a porcine wrist model. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42254338/
• ERBB4 activation prevents microvascular dysfunction in a large animal model of hypertensive heart disease. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42154729/
• The neuroanatomy and connectivity of the ventral striatum and ventral capsule area in the Gottingen minipig. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42133082/
• Induced pluripotent stem cells from a transgenic minipig model of Huntington’s disease reveal early metabolic changes. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42109206/
• Intravenous contrast medium impairs CT-based muscle quality but not quantity assessment: a translational study. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42182934/
• ERBB4 activation as a new therapy for atrial remodeling and fibrillation. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42097257/
• A personalized mechanobiology-driven multiscale model of atherosclerosis. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42090946/
• Design and Preclinical Validation of an Eyeglass-Coupled Perilimbal Antenna for Retinal Prostheses With a Biocompatible Graft Technique. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42171424/
• Incidence of Spontaneous Ocular Lesions in Laboratory Animals. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42106164/
• Label-free streamlined photoacoustic image guidance facilitates NIR-II photoablation in models of melanoma lung metastases. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42065242/
• An overview of current and potential use of the minipig in developmental and reproductive toxicity testing. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42067074/
• Development of a Potent Engineered Microbial Lipase for the Treatment of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42254859/
• Comparative Animal Study of the Performance of Two Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Devices. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42050283/
• Photon-counting CT for dynamic lung perfusion: validation of a low-dose protocol in a porcine lung transplantation model. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42045582/
• [Unusual foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract of 2 miniature pigs]. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42030960/
• Morphologic pattern of nerve endings in the hearts of five mammalian species and humans. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42034205/
• Ultrasound-based monitoring of early mesenchymal stem cell therapy mitigates severe radiation-induced soft tissue injury in minipigs. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42024537/
• Cytoarchitecture of neurogenic niche and neuroblast clusters in the postnatal microminipig brain. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41997151/
• A narrative review of preclinical animal models for bone regeneration: comparative and translational insights from rodents to large animals. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42252878/
• Corrigendum to Sudden death of a cynomolgus monkey due to transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) after xeno-transfusion from a minipig. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41957885/
• Augmenter of Liver Regeneration-Modified Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Repairs Liver Damage by Regulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Pyroptosis in a - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42072092/
• Chronic kidney disease induces a distinct lipidomic signature and accelerates atherosclerosis progression in a novel minipig model. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41928358/
• A Porcine Model of Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment and Repair With Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Tamponade. - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41995439/
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