Insights from Unconventional Animal Models: Exploring Unique Adaptation and Disease Resistance

The field of biological research has long relied on conventional model animals to unravel complex biological and physiological mechanisms. However, traditional models sometimes offer limited insights, particularly when the evolutionary history lacks relevant traits or mechanisms. Recent research has begun shifting focus towards unconventional animal models, species that exhibit unique adaptations and have developed exceptional functions. These creatures thrive in extreme environments, exhibit remarkable longevities, and display enhanced resistance to various diseases. The unique mechanisms uncovered in these animals not only augment our understanding of biology but also have proven applicability in more common organisms, like mice and humans, highlighting the broader importance of these studies in contemporary research.
This Research Topic aims to explore the wide range of biological mechanisms exhibited by unconventional animal models. Our objective is to delve into the unique traits these species possess, such as the functions that align with their specific lifestyles, their strategies for adapting to inhospitable environments, and the mechanisms that contribute to natural longevity and disease resistance. By focusing on these unconventional animals, we intend to foster comparative perspectives, widening the lens through which biological phenomena are understood and integrated across different species.
To gather further insights into the rich and varied landscape of unconventional model animal studies, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Unique functions related to lifestyle adaptations
o Adaptive strategies in extreme environments
o Mechanisms of natural longevity
o Disease resistance and ecological niche adaptations
o Innovative research methodologies for investigating unconventional animal models
This Research Topic welcomes the following article types: Original Research, Mini Review, Methods, Perspective, and Hypothesis and Theory.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Unconventional model animals, adaptive evolution, unique functions, extreme environments, natural longevity, disease resistance, ecological niches

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.