Genetic animal models of scoliosis: A systematical review

Scoliosis is a complex disease with undetermined pathogenesis and has a strong relationship with genetics. Models of scoliosis in animals have been established for better comprehending its pathogenesis and treatment. In this review, we searched all the genetic animal models with body curvature in databases, and reviewed the related genes and scoliosis types. Meanwhile, we also summarized the pathogenesis of scoliosis reported so far. Summarizing the positive phenotypic animal models contributes to a better understanding on the pathogenesis of scoliosis and facilitates the selection of experimental models when a possible pathogenic factor is concerned. •Genetic animal models of scoliosis in the past were reviewed and discussed according to the mechanism.•The pathological processes in scoliosis were summarized to provide ideas for exploring the pathogenesis of scoliosis.•Analyzed the relationship between animal phenotypes and scoliosis types to provide reference for how to select model animals.