Based on the genetic alterations found in humans, multiple models of human pathologies have been generated in genetically engineered or drug-induced animals. These experimental models are valuable tools for understanding physiopathology of the disease and discovering novel therapeutic targets and drugs. In fact, one avenue holding tremendous potential to find therapies against human diseases is the use of intact living systems, where complex biological processes can be examined.

We invite authors to present original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts in developing animal models, ranging from invertebrates to large animals, to be used in preclinical applications, improving therapy in various fields of medicine (oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, endocrinology, brain pathologies, etc.). We are particularly interested in manuscripts that report naturally occurring, induced or engineered animal models of human diseases and their preclinical applications. Reviews that summarize all the animal models for a particular pathology, their involvement in preclinical trials, and their future on treatment practice are also particularly welcome. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Modelling retinoblastoma in rodents
• The use of animal models in the study of obesity
• The value of animal models for drug development in autoimmune diseases
• The genetics of cardiovascular disease: new insights from animal models
• Understanding pathogenesis and therapy of ataxia telangiectasia (AT) via animal models
• Experimental animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and osteoarthritis
• Small model organisms for neurodegenerative diseases
• Large animal models of heart failure
• The pig: a representative animal model for humans
• Modeling human disease using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
• Drosophila models of human diseases

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jbb/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: