Date Presented 3/30/2017
A cross-species comparison was conducted between typical development of the common marmoset and typical development of the human child. Information obtained from this comparison can be used to understand potential early developmental markers of disease and to prevent and manage chronic conditions.
Primary Author and Speaker: Caitlin Dammann
Additional Authors and Speakers: Karla Ausderau
Contributing Authors: Marina Emborg, Katherine McManus, Mary Schneider, Nancy Schultz-Darken
PURPOSE: The common marmoset is an increasingly popular nonhuman primate transgenic model of diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Favorable temperament, lifespan, and breeding patterns make this species a particularly suitable model. Study of nonhuman primate models enables detection of early developmental markers of disease, which is essential in the prevention and management of chronic conditions. In order to apply findings from marmosets to humans, a cross-species comparison of typical development is essential. To date, no studies have compared common marmoset and human development. The purpose of this study is to provide an initial cross-species comparison of typical development in the common marmoset, through the juvenile period, to typical development in humans.
DESIGN: A descriptive study was conducted to describe and compare typical development in the common marmoset to typical development in humans. Observations of infant to juvenile marmosets in a research setting, as well as texts and peer-reviewed resources related to both marmoset and human development, were used to conduct the comparison.
METHOD: A team of six researchers identified and reviewed appropriate written resources and three of the researchers conducted repeated observations to identify primary developmental milestones in the common marmoset from birth to juvenile (age 40 wk). Following identification of marmoset developmental milestones, comparable human milestones were identified and then grouped into appropriate developmental constructs.
RESULTS: Developmental milestones were organized into five major developmental constructs, including (1) reflexes and reactions, (2) motor (gross and fine), (3) social, (4) feeding, and (5) self-help development. Relevant marmoset skills and typical age of attainment were identified within each construct. Related human skills and typical age of attainment were matched for each marmoset skill. Further consideration of important typical human developmental milestones led to identification of areas for future research related to typical marmoset development.
CONCLUSION: Completion of a cross-species comparison of typical development in the common marmoset to the human child was feasible; however, the amount of literature related to marmoset development was limited compared with the extensive literature related to human development. Identification and matching of milestones between species highlighted gaps in current knowledge of marmoset development and led to future targets of research.
IMPACT STATEMENT: A comparison of marmoset and human development is essential to application of findings in nonhuman primate models of disease to humans. Improved understanding of early developmental markers of disease and their potential impact on childhood occupations allows occupational therapists to assume an early, proactive role in prevention and management of chronic conditions.
References
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